Vern W. Nelson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Vern W. Nelson of Orr, Minnesota, enlisted in the Navy March 11, 1941.
He was an Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Lexington, USS Saratoga, and USS Cape Esperance. He also served aboard the USS APL 30.
Mrs. Nelson said, "When he left Orr, Minnesota to enlist he was a tad underweight and was told to eat a bunch of bananas. He did and passed....Assigned to USS Lexington, one of the great ships lucky enough to have sailed out of Pearl Harbor before the Japanese attack. "
Later, reassigned to the USS Saratoga, he missed being aboard the ''Lady Lex'' when she met her fate in the Coral Sea. On his 3rd ship, the escort carrier Cape Esperance, he, the other men, and the ship survived a savage typhoon....
"Vern's memories of his six years in the Navy were always recounted with pride and patriotism. Besides, he never lost his liking for Spam!"
Mr. Nelson received the: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal with 8 bronze battle stars, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
He was discharged on April 8, 1947.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 219.
