The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Sergeant Jack I. Nelson (MCSN: 215255), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Gun Captain, serving with the Marine Detachment on board the U.S.S. VINCENNES (CA-44), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of Savo Island, on the night of 8 – 9 August 1942. When enemy gunfire struck his ship and disabled the controlling director of his gun during this surface engagement, First Sergeant Nelson continued to fire in local control in the ensuing action. Despite serious chest wounds and the loss of eight of his eleven man gun crew, he administered first aid to other wounded men, personally placing life jackets on two of his shipmates and lowering them over the side of the sinking VINCENNES. His cool courage, indomitable determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.