Andrew W. Nelson, III, World War II Veteran
Thank you, Andy, for your service to our country!
The last few years, Andy and Phyllis Nelson have come down to attend the Memorial Day Concert in Marion Square and visit with me. I wrote a blogpost last Memorial Day about Andy, and his story bears repeating. Andy served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1952 and saw active duty in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. During World War II, Andy served throughout the Pacific as a Navy Frogman and participated in several major invasions - Palau Islands Invasion, Philippine Islands Invasions and the Invasion of Okinawa. Andy earned every one of the many medals you see on his chest - the Bronze Star with Valor (V), the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of War with 3 Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, just to name a few.
My father, Marion Hampton Whaley, also served his country during World War II. He was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, flew 125 missions and survived being shot down. As his oldest child, I was given his medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart, among others, at his funeral 16 years ago. Knowing Andy and Phyllis Nelson has helped me appreciate and understand better the import of my father's service to our country. This is a day to honor and remember all those who serve in our armed forces to ensure the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
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