The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Corporal [then Private] Ivar S. Nelson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company H, 2d Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Algeria on 8 November 1942. Corporal Nelson, attached to an infantry unit, distinguished himself by risking his own life to save one of his comrades. After he swam ashore from his ship which was under heavy fire, Corporal Nelson, upon hearing a cry for assistance from a soldier struggling in the water, with complete disregard for his own welfare and in the face of hostile machine gunfire, swam back to the soldier and kept him afloat until both were picked up by a lifeboat. Private Nelson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.