Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Erik
H.
Nelson
June 12, 1888

–

May 9, 1970

Cemetery:

Cremated

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Action Date:

    July 15 – October 20, 1920
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1928)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Erik H. Nelson, U.S. Army Air Service, for extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. As assistant pilot of one of the planes and engineering officer for the Alaskan Flying Expedition in a flight from Mitchel Field, New York to Nome, Alaska, and return, from 15 July to 20 October 1920, Lieutenant Nelson exhibited fortitude, perseverance, courage, and skill, which aided materially in the successful completion of this pioneer flight to Alaska.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Division:

    Airplane No. 4, “The New Orleans”

    Action Date:

    April 6 – September 28, 1924
    War Department, General Orders No. 14 (1925)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Erik H. Nelson, United States Army Air Service, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. Lieutenant Nelson, as pilot of Airplane No. 4, the “New Orleans,” and Engineer Officer of the U.S. Army Air Service around-the-world flight from 6 April 1924 to 28 September 1924, displayed sound technical skill, initiative, untiring energy, and resourcefulness and succeeded in piloting his airplane throughout the voyage. His sound judgment, indefatigable energy, and courageous conduct in the face of extraordinary perils contributed largely to the success of this pioneer flight of airplanes around the world. In the efficient performance of his arduous duties he aided in the accomplishment of an exploit which brought great credit to himself and to the Army of the United States.