Nelson Wendell J. A.

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Wendell J. A. Nelson is honored on the following 1 monument(s) in our database:

356th Fighter Group Monument

Name:

Wendell J. A. Nelson

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-554389

Unit:

360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group

Date of Death:

1945-01-14

State:

Nebraska

Cemetery:

Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, Nebraska

Plot:

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Air Medal, Purple Heart

Comments:

Wendell J. A. Nelson was born on June 11, 1917. He was the son of John Albert Nelson and Lily Esther Nelson.

He served in the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, as a Second Lieutenant and Fighter Pilot during World War II. He was Killed in Action on January 14, 1945. 1Lt Nelson took off with his squadron in a snowstorm and apparently became a victim of vertigo or icing. He spun in and crashed about 5 miles north of Martlesham Heath. His aircraft exploded upon hitting the ground. Five other 8th AF pilots crashed and died that morning because of the weather.

1Lt Nelson is now buried in the Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, Dodge County, Nebraska, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.americanairmuseum.com