Lauritz Nelson

Chief Boatswain, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Chief Boatswain Lauritz Nelson (26 March 1860 - 16 September 1941) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

Lauritz Nelson was born on 26 March 1860 in Norway. After entering the Navy, he was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the torpedo boat USS Nashville.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Sailmaker's Mate, U.S. Navy

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.

Death and Burial

Chief Boatswain Lauritz Nelson died on 16 September 1941. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY, in Section DDS, Site 2.