Lauritz Nelson

Lauritz Nelson (March 26, 1860 – September 16, 1941) was a sailor serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.

Lauritz Nelson
Born	(1860-03-26)March 26, 1860 Norway
Died	September 16, 1941(1941-09-16) (aged 81) Farmingdale, New York, US
Place of burial	Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1885–1905
Rank	Chief Boatswain's Mate
Unit	USS Nashville
Battles / wars	Spanish–American War
Awards	Medal of Honor

Biography

Nelson was born March 26, 1860, in Norway and entered the US Navy in 1885. Later he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the torpedo boat USS Nashville as a sailmaker's mate.^[1]

Lauritz retired from the navy in 1905 with the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate.^[2] He died September 16, 1941, and is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.^[3]

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Sailmaker's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 March 1860, Norway. G.O. No.: 521, 7 July 1899.

Citation:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Nelson displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.^[1]

See also

• Biography portal

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Spanish–American War