Dean Hjalmar Nelson

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Army

Dean Hjalmar Nelson served in the United States Army Air Forces beginning on July 20, 1944 during World War II.

He attended basic training at Lowry Air Force Base. After basic training, he was assigned to Airplane Mechanics Training at Keesler Air Force Base in approximately June 1,1945.

In August 1945, Mr. Nelson was sent to Fürth, Germany, just outside of Nuremberg, where he worked on aircraft. He was part of the Occupation Force. Mr. Nelson attended the Nuremberg Trials.

He returned to the United States and was discharged on June 26, 1946.

Mr. Nelson’s rank was Private 1st Class. His job was Airplane Mechanic. He worked on P51’s, P47’s, and P38’s, among other aircraft.

Mr. Nelson was born in 1926, the son of Hjalmar and Olive Nelson.

Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (follows)

“Went to Nuremberg Trials, Germany.”