The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Nelson T. Simpson (ASN: 20506727), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 9 – 10 July 1943. During combat operations when radio communication had failed, Staff Sergeant Simpson aggressively led a patrol through enemy territory to successfully contact the Marine units after two similar patrols had failed in the mission. On one occasion a strong Japanese patrol of approximately twenty men was sighted. Staff Sergeant Simpson posted his men and courageously went forward alone to a position from which he could observe the enemy'[s activities. Before he left he gave orders that if discovered he would attempt to hold off the Japanese until the patrol had withdrawn. The enemy soon moved away, and Staff Sergeant Simpson’s patrol continued on through the arduous jungle terrain to reach its objective. The following day they again successfully traversed the same hazardous area to reach their own lines. On 18 July 1943, Staff Sergeant Simpson was killed in action. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.