Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1965 Lucky Bag:

PAUL LAWRENCE NELSON

Nels came from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and his love for the Packers was only matched by his love for the Navy, which he picked up in three years in the fleet before coming to USNA. Paul’s extracurricular activities were numerous and varied. For three years he was a member of the crew of the Academy schooner Freedom. Paul also maintained an avid interest in the trombone as a member of the NA-10 and Concert Band, although he was sometimes chided for his fuddy-duddy taste in music. Paul’s years in the fleet established him as an international playboy, and much spare time was spent corresponding with one of his many European acquaintances. Paul was admired for his ability to stick to a project. Youngster year he took it on himself to learn the Danish language which he learned almost as well as French. The “Practical Navigator” could often be found curled up on his pad with his treasured copy of Bowditch. Everyone who knew him was impressed with Paul’s straightforward, conscientious manner. These qualities should give him every success when he rejoins the fleet.

Loss

Paul was commanding officer of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 3 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed in the Atlantic on September 13, 1981¹.

From the Madison Wisconsin State Journal on September 16, 1981:

GREEN Bay (AP)—One of the victims of a naval helicopter crash 360 miles off the coast of Virginia Sunday has been identified as a former Green Bay man, authorities said.

The victim was identified as Cmdr. Paul Lawrence Nelson, 41. Nelson lived in Green Bay until 1958, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

Nelson, a helicopter pilot, was returning from seven months on the USS Forrestal, a naval carrier, when the helicopter he was riding crashed while escorting planes from the carrier, a naval spokesman said. Naval officials said the crash was caused by an apparent mechanical failure.

Obituary

From the Green Bay Press-Gazette on September 15, 1981:

Ruth Curran, Nelson’s sister-in-law, said Navy officials have told the family that something went wrong with the helicopter before it went down. …

Mrs. Nelson is the former Margaret A. Moynihan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moynihan Sr., Oconto Falls. Nelson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Nelson. The Nelsons have three sons: Christopher, 15; Paul Jr., 13; and Ryan, 3.

Nelson received his final commission a little more than a year ago. After two decades in the service, the Navy had become the Nelsons’ home.

“He lived and breathed Navy … that was his life,” said Mrs. Curran.

Mrs. Nelson was chosen Military Wife of the Year in 1972 at the Quonset Point, R.I., Naval Air Station.

“He was so considerate. Every time he went to sea, he brought back a present for all of us sisters,” said Mrs. Curran.

Though Nelson’s death came as a shock to the family, Mrs. Curran said he knew that there was always a danger that something might happen.

“He was prepared for that,” she said. “We had all just received post cards from him saying how glad he was that he was going to come home.”

Photographs

From the Green Bay Press Gazette on September 15, 1981

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Paul graduated from West High School in 1958 and received his pilot’s wings in December 1968.

A memorial service was held September 19 at Grace Lutheran Church. Paul was also survived by brothers Gary and Ellis and their wives; nieces and nephews.

He is buried in Wisconsin.

Memorials

The Helicopter Training Facility aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville is named in his honor².

References