Lauritz Nelson

Lauritz Nelson (March 26, 1860 – September 16, 1944) was a sailor 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 entered the US navy in 1885. Later he was sent to fight in the Spanish–American War aboard the torpedo boat USS Nashville as a sailmaker's mate.

Lauritz retired from the navy in 1905 with the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate. He died September 16, 1944 and is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York. His grave can be found in section dds, site 2.

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.