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Steven Loomis (SaigonShipyard), IC3
to remember
NELSON, Lauritz (Sailmaker / MOH), CBM USN(Ret).
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Contact Info
Date of Passing Sep 16, 1941
Location of Interment Long Island National Cemetery (VA) - Farmingdale, New York
LAURITZ NELSON Sailmaker 2n/c • US Navy
Medal of Honor
Spanish American War
Lauritz Nelson (March 26, 1860-September 16, 1941) was a sailmaker's mate serving in the United States Navy during the Spanish-American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery.
Biography:
Nelson was born March 26, 1860 in Norway and after entering the navy was sent to fight in the Spanish-American War aboard the torpedo boat U.S.S. Nashville as a sailmaker's mate. The Sailmaker rating did not advance beyond 1st Class and so Nelson retired as a Chief Boatswain's Mate.
He died September 16, 1941 at age 81 and is buried in Long Island National Cemetery Farmingdale, New York. His grave can be found in section dds, site 2.
Other Comments:
Medal of Honor Awarded for actions during the Spanish-American War
For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sailmaker's Mate Lauritz Nelson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action 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, Sailmaker's Mate Nelson displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 521 (July 7, 1899) Action Date: May 11, 1898 Service: Navy Rank: Sailmaker's Mate Division: U.S.S. Nashville
Spanish-American War/Battle of Cienfuegos
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Description Spanish Navy ships had repeatedly eluded American pursuers and delivered troops and supplies to Cuba. When it was discovered that undersea telegraph cables provided the port of Cienfuegos with vital communications.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories Awarded the 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.
