TSgt Bernard “Bernie” W. Nelson
U.S. Army

Background
Bernard Walfred Nelson was born October 18, 1917 in Skanee, Michigan. Nicknamed "“Bernie”. He completed high school and worked as a farm hand.

Wartime History
On April 2, 1941 at Escanaba, Michigan enlisted the U.S. Army as a private with serial number 36225885. During the Pacific War, sent overseas and served in New Guinea. In 1944, based in Saidor and lost his dog tag.

Postwar
On June 20, 1959, Jeanette M. Onkalo at Baltic-South Range Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Memorials
Nelson died Feb 12, 1993 at aged 75. He is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in South Range, Michigan.

Dog Tag Discovery
During 2024, his dog tag was found by a local at Sawoi (Suai) near Saidor. During May 2024, the dog tag was given to Pacific Wrecks in hopes it could be returned to the family in the United States.


Relatives
Jeanette M Onkalo Nelson (wife, died May 25, 2012)
Ruth (Jonathan) Strand of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada (daughter)
Justin Strand (grandchild)
Alicia Strand grandchild)
Erin Strand (grandchild)
Jane (Daniel) Basker of South Bend, IN (daughter)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Bernard W. W. Nelson
FindAGrave - Bernard Walfred “Bernie” Nelson (grave photo)
FindAGrave - Jeanette M Onkalo Nelson (grave photo, obituary)

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