CPT Hugh R. Nelson, USA
Class of 1959
Hometown: Rocky Mount, NC
Nelson received the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism while serving with 114th Aviation Company (Airmobile Light), 1st Aviation Brigade, engaged in military operations in the Republic of Vietnam. His DSC citation reads in relevant part as follows:
"Captain Nelson was acting as Aircraft Commander of a UH-1B helicopter when it was struck by hostile gun fire, downed in the middle of many insurgent positions, and had all weapons destroyed in the crash. Upon the initial impact, all persons aboard the aircraft were unconscious. As the first person to regain consciousness with the physical ability to aid the other three crew members, Captain Nelson ignored his own injuries, debarked the aircraft, and started to evacuate his fellow soldiers. Proceeding to the left side of the aircraft, he ripped off the door with his bare hands and removed a dazed Specialist who had been pinned in the cargo compartment. After placing the Specialist on the ground and observing that the injured pilot had managed to get out of the aircraft, Captain Nelson climbed into the helicopter to assist another Specialist who was still trapped in the aircraft. Although the insurgents began a heavy volume of automatic and small arms fire at a range of approximately thirty feet from the aircraft, he continued his brave efforts until he freed the trapped crew member. He then forced the Specialist to the ground and, using his own body as a human shield to cover his comrade, saved the life of his fellow soldier at the sacrifice of his own. Through his gallant efforts, he enabled a crew member to send a signal with a smoke grenade to supporting aircraft which responded immediately and resulted in the successful evacuation of the survivors. Captain Nelson's extraordinary heroism on the battlefield, at the cost of his life, reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the armed forces of his country."