Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Daniel
Jack
Nelson
January 28, 1928

–

February 18, 2004

Born:

, 

Montana

Home:

Billings

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

Daniel Nelson graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1945. He retired in 1975 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    October 30, 1952
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot, 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Photo, Jet, FIFTH Air Force. On 30 October 1952, Captain Nelson flying an unarmed RF-80 aircraft, rendezvoused with an escort of twenty-four F-86 aircraft and led the flight to Manpojin, deep in North Korea. Having completed his photographic reconnaissance at Huichon, Captain Nelson experienced a 75% engine power failure and indications of a fire in the aft section. Although the distance to the coast was over fifty miles Captain Nelson utilized outstanding airmanship and knowledge of his aircraft to stretch a glide to the vicinity of Wonson Harbor. Arriving at the coast with just enough altitude to reach the water, Captain Nelson was faced with the sole alternative of ditching in the water. Despite the inherent hazards of attempting this maneuver in jet-type aircraft, Captain Nelson skillfully crash-landed the aircraft in the sea with minimum damage to the aircraft and no injury to himself. By his superior airmanship and cool judgment under extreme stress, Captain Nelson has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, in Southeast Asia in 1967. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Action Date:

    April 10, 1967
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 Reconnaissance Pilot over Southeast Asia on 10 April 1967. On that date, Colonel Nelson flew an extremely hazardous and sensitive mission in support of United States Air Force reconnaissance activities in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Nelson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1966 – April 30, 1967
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Detachment 1, 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, and as Deputy Commander for Operations, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Republic of Vietnam, from 30 July 1966 to 30 April 1967. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Nelson resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force’s Tactical Reconnaissance Program. The impact of Colonel Nelson’s leadership upon the mission of the United States and Free World forces in Southeast Asia has been outstanding. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Nelson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Captain Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, in Korea, in 1952. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    February 18, 1953
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 221 (May 6, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States as a Pilot of an RF-86 Sabrejet modified Fighter-Bomber of the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 18 February 1953. On that date, Major Nelson volunteered to fly an RF-86 aircraft on an extremely hazardous mission in support of a highly classified project of vital importance to the United Nations operations. Leading three F-86 aircraft, and with a flight of four aircraft as escort, Major Nelson penetrated deep into enemy territory to obtain photographic coverage of his assigned targets. While Major Nelson’s flight was in the target area, it was attacked by a total of sixty-four MiG-15 aircraft. In the ensuing battles, four of the enemy aircraft were destroyed. At all times during the flight, Major Nelson displayed only concern for the successful accomplishment of the mission. Despite repeated attacks from enemy aircraft, Major Nelson, demonstrating exceptionally keen airmanship, procured photographic intelligence information of inestimable value to the United Nations forces. Through his outstanding professional skill and devotion to duty beyond the normal call, Major Nelson reflected great credit upon himself, the FIFTH Air Force, and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 31, 1969 – May 15, 1972
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-546 (August 7, 1972)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commandant of Cadets, Office of the Commandant of Cadets, United States Air Force Academy, from 31 August 1969 to 15 May 1972. During this period, Colonel Nelson’s inspirational leadership and superior management ability aided immeasurably in producing Academy graduates who were fully prepared to meet the future needs of the Air Force and the challenges of the modern world. In this most responsible position, his foresight, judgment, strong sense of mission accomplishment, and ceaseless efforts resulted in significant and lasting contributions to the successful operation of the United States Air Force Academy. Colonel Nelson exemplifies the highest standards of a professional career officer, and instilled these qualities in the members of the Air Force Cadet Wing. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Nelson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 5, 1972 – July 15, 1975
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Daniel Jack Nelson (AFSN: 16968A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, and as Vice Commander, THIRD Air Force, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, from 5 June 1972 to 15 July 1975. During this period, Colonel Nelson’s outstanding professional knowledge, superior skill, and tireless efforts combined to make significant increases in the combat effectiveness of THIRD Air Force tactical units throughout the United Kingdom. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Nelson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.