Name:
Wendell J. A. Nelson
Rank:
First Lieutenant
Serial Number:
O-554389
Unit:
360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group
Date of Death:
1945-01-14
State:
Nebraska
Cemetery:
Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, Nebraska
Plot:
Row:
Grave:
Decoration:
Air Medal, Purple Heart
Comments:
Wendell J. A. Nelson was born on June 11, 1917. He was the son of John Albert Nelson and Lily Esther Nelson.
He served in the 360th Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, as a Second Lieutenant and Fighter Pilot during World War II. He was Killed in Action on January 14, 1945. 1Lt Nelson took off with his squadron in a snowstorm and apparently became a victim of vertigo or icing. He spun in and crashed about 5 miles north of Martlesham Heath. His aircraft exploded upon hitting the ground. Five other 8th AF pilots crashed and died that morning because of the weather.
1Lt Nelson is now buried in the Ridge Cemetery, Fremont, Dodge County, Nebraska, USA.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.americanairmuseum.com