Robert Chester Nelson was born on September 27, 1913 in Ridgway, Pennsylvania. He was the son of William B. Nelson and Grace E. Gardner Nelson. He enlisted in the Army on September 28, 1943 and served in the US Army as a Private during World War II. Pvt Nelson was Killed in Action on October 2, 1944 at the age of 31 in Italy and is now buried in the Oakmont Cemetery, Ridgway, Elk County, Pennsylvania, USA. A member of the 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, his unit was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 27 September to 3 October 1944 at Mt. Battaglia, Italy against German forces. For seven days, amidst powerful counterattacks, the men of the battalion repulsed each attack with fighting ability and teamwork, therefore, their objective was accomplished.