News From Our Boys
Robert J. Nelson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew L. Nelson, 2910 Jones Street, has graduated from the United States naval air station at Corpus Christi, Texas, and commissioned an ensign in the naval reserve, Ensign Nelson volunteered for navy flight training in July, 1941 and after receiving his basic flight instruction at the naval reserve base at Minneapolis was transferred to Corpus Christi. Ensign Nelson attended Trinity College and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, September 15, 1942 (photo included)
Sioux City’s First Ace in This War Is Shown in Film Here
Lt. Robert J. Nelson, son of Mrs. A.W. Erwin, 2910 Jones Street who was proclaimed Sioux City’s first ace of World War 2 in June 1944, appears in the techincolor motion picture, Fighting Lady, now showing at the Princess Theater.
In this picture which tells of the actual battles of an aircraft carrier, Lt. Nelson is shown several times taking off and landing on the carrier.
For participation in the battles of Tarawa, Kwajalein, Truk, Saipan, Tieten, Pilau, Wolea and Hollandia, and for the five planes he downed in the air and eight on the ground which were not verified, he was awarded the silver star, the distinguished flying cross and the air medal when he was home on furlough in May. He also was promoted to lieutenant senior grade.
He is now on overseas duty again in the South Pacific.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, February 9, 1945
