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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Jacob Nelson (MCSN: 1832510), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 September 1967, while crossing a large open field to relieve two beleaguered companies, Company G came under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire and mortar attack from a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force, temporarily pinning down the company and inflicting numerous casualties. Immediately observing two enemy machine gun positions to his front, Gunnery Sergeant Nelson completely disregarded his own safety as he exposed himself to intense hostile fire to rally his men and aggressively lead them forward. When the vicious enemy fire again momentarily pinned down his platoon, he skillfully maneuvered his men out of the hazardous zone. Exhibiting selfless concern for the casualties remaining on the battlefield, he quickly assessed the situation, organized a recovery party and courageously advanced to recover the fallen Marines and their equipment. Unwilling to risk the lives of any of his men, he fearlessly moved alone into the open areas to move the casualties to the relatively safety of covered positions where they could be prepared for evacuation. Due largely to his prompt and courageous actions, many of his fellow Marines were saved from further injury or possible death. By his bold initiative, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Gunnery Sergeant Nelson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant [then Staff Sergeant] Jacob Nelson (MCSN: 1832510), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 14 October 1967, while Gunnery Sergeant Nelson’s company was occupying a night defensive position at a vital bridge on the main supply route to Con Thien, the entire battalion came under heavy rocket and mortar attack followed by an assault by a large enemy force. In the initial attack, Gunnery Sergeant Nelson fearlessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he moved from the command bunker to a position from which he directed counterbattery fire on suspected enemy rocket and mortar positions. Disregarding his own safety, he simultaneously directed the extraction under fire of a reinforced squad, which was deployed in an ambush position 200 meters in front of the perimeter. In the ensuing fire fight when enemy forces overran a machine gun position in his section of the perimeter, Gunnery Sergeant Nelson quickly reorganized his platoon and launched a fierce counterattack. With only four men and a machine gun, he repulsed the assaulting enemy and reestablished perimeter security. Throughout the battle, Gunner Sergeant Nelson continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he moved from one position to another, encouraging his men, directing their fire and assisting in the evacuation of casualties. His unhesitant and courageous actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his steadfast determination, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Gunnery Sergeant Nelson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.