NC Native, Vietnam War Hero Captain Hugh Nelson Posthumously Receives Medal of Honor

Jan 3 2025

NC Native, Vietnam War Hero Captain Hugh Nelson Posthumously Receives Medal of Honor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Thom Tillis released the following statement on President Biden's decision to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to North Carolina native and U.S. Army Captain Hugh Nelson for his heroic actions on June 5, 1966, during the Vietnam War:

"Captain Nelson was a true American hero whose unwavering courage and selfless service embody the very best of our state and nation. My office worked closely with the Nelson family to advocate for Captain Nelson, urging President Biden to upgrade his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor - the United States Armed Forces' highest and most prestigious military award."

Senator Tillis' office worked closely with the Nelson family to request Captain Nelson's posthumously awarded Distinguished Service Cross be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. On January 3, 2024, President Biden posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Captain Nelson.

Background:

Captain Hugh Reavis Nelson Jr. was born on July 11, 1937. A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Captain Nelson graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He married Elizabeth Ann Dees on July 22, 1959, and together they had three children: Debra Ann, Margaret Dees, and Hugh Reavis Nelson III.

Captain Nelson reported for duty in Vietnam on January 2, 1966, where he served as a member of the 114th Aviation Company and worked as the acting aircraft commander of a Huey helicopter on search-and-destroy reconnaissance missions. Captain Nelson was killed in action after his helicopter was shot down over South Vietnam on June 5, 1966. During the attack, Nelson rescued two members of his flight crew and used his body to shield another, saving his life. Nelson was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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