The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Eric J. Nelson (ASN: 0-2331946), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Second Lieutenant Nelson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 September 1968, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On this day Company C engaged a large North Vietnamese Army force southwest of Landing Zone UPLIFT, Republic of Vietnam. Upon initial contact with the enemy, Lieutenant Nelson immediately ordered his men to maneuver into position to place effective firepower upon the enemy positions. Moving among his men, Lieutenant Nelson constantly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire. After killing three enemy soldiers with his CAR-15 rifle, Lieutenant Nelson was wounded in the head and knocked to the ground, unconscious, by enemy gun fire. After regaining consciousness, he began pulling seriously wounded men to a secured area. After moving several men to safety, Lieutenant Nelson again fell unconscious. When he again regained consciousness, he moved among the casualties, encouraging them. Lieutenant Nelson’s courageous actions and high spirits throughout the day greatly inspired the men around him. Lieutenant Nelson’s extraordinary gallantry in close combat against a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Eric J. Nelson (ASN: 0-2331946), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 21 November 1970 as a member of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam. This valiant effort was motivated by deep compassion for his imprisoned fellow men-at-arms, and by a strong sense of military duty and national pride. Captain Nelson, by swift action and personal example, led his element in a direct assault on the primary guard quarters, clearing the building and neutralizing that threat to the operation. He then exposed himself repeatedly to enemy small arms fire in order to cover the withdrawal of his element to the extraction landing zone. His coolness under fire, courage, and leadership contributed directly to the successful completion of the mission. Captain Nelson’s conscious disregard for his personal safety, extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile force, and extreme devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.