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Steven Loomis (SaigonShipyard), IC3
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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
Cutting of cables at Cienfuegos, Cuba
Date
Not Specified
Last Updated: Aug 23, 2010
Comments
Lauritz Nelson was one of 52 sailors and Marines cited for bravery and coolness in the face of enemy fire during the cutting of cables at Cienfuegos, Cuba on 11 May 1898. The mission was a daring operation to cut undersea cables linking the Spanish fortifications at Cienfuegos with the rest of the world. Destruction of the cables was ordered to disrupt communications. In two boats, sailors from the USS Nashville and the USS Marblehead were joined by a Marine guard as they moved within 15 feet of the enemy shore, under fire from the hidden enemy, to dredge up and cut two such cables. During the 80 minute operation, the cable cutting party was under constant enemy fire from a short range, while they coolly dredged the cables across the bow of their boats, then cut through them with hacksaws. When a cable was severed, the seaward end was transported back to the USS Marblehead, which then moved further from shore to drop the ends in deeper water and make repair impossible. So intense was the enemy presence, and so daring the American support, Captain Maynard of the Nashville was wounded in the action. With great courage, the mission was accomplished.
