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Michael A. Nelson
American military officer (1937–2024) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Michael A. Nelson (October 8, 1937 – October 8, 2024) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force (USAF). He flew 100 missions over North Vietnam, collected 3500+ hours in fighter aircraft, and held command five times, including over the 9th Air Force and Operation Southern Watch.[1] He was the 20th Deputy Chief of Staff of Plans and Operations.
After his military career, he was the president of the Air Force Historical Foundation and The Retired Officer's Association (now called the Military Officers Association of America, a change he ushered in[1]).
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Early life and education
Nelson was born in East Los Angeles, California, on October 8, 1937. He moved to San Antonio, Texas, and graduated from Alamo Heights Senior High School in 1955.[2]
- Nelson earned his bachelor's degree in international relations in 1959 from Stanford University. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity.[3]
- He earned a master's degree in comparative politics from the University of Arizona in 1969.
- He earned another master's degree from the National War College in 1976.
- He was also educated at the Air Command and Staff College and in multiple fighter jets.
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Career
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Nelson was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in June 1959.
As a fighter pilot, he flew 100 combat missions in the F-105 over North Vietnam as a part of Operation Rolling Thunder.[4] He was one of the Wild Weasels, which meant his aircraft was fitted with anti-radiation missiles and tasked with suppression of enemy air defenses. He also collected over 3500+ hours in the various aircraft he flew: the F-100, F-105, A-7, F-4, F-15, and F-16.[4][5]
He held command five times at five different locations across his career and worked in the Pentagon multiple times, including as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Plans and Operations.
As part of being the commander of the 9th Air Force and CENTAF, he also oversaw Operation Southern Watch. Operation Southern Watch monitored southern Iraq.
He retired in August 1994. In retirement, he became the president of The Retired Officers Association (TROA) and served from 1995 to 2002. He worked with Congress to increase active duty pay raises, repeal dual-compensation restrictions and the REDUX retirement system, and enact TRICARE Senior Pharmacy and TRICARE For Life. As well as change the name of TROA to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Nelson helped redesign The Retired Officer Magazine, launch its website, begin hosting career fairs, and formed the Member Service Center.[1]
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Personal life and death
Nelson married Barbie Wigdale in 1962 and had four children with her. They remained married until her death in 2022.[3]
Nelson died in Virginia on October 8, 2024, at the age of 87.[3]
Awards
Source:[1]
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Defense Superior Service Medal |
Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster | |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster |
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Distinguished Service Medal |
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Bronze Star Medal |
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Meritorious Service Medal |
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Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster |
Assignments
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References
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