Carl Norman Nelson

2021-03-21T15:07:04-05:00
Army Badge
  • Name: Carl Norman Nelson
  • Location of Birth: Wittenberg, Wisconsin
  • Date of Birth: April 24, 1895
  • Date of Death: July 29, 1982 (87 years old)
  • Parents: Edward "Nels" Nelson and Maren (Jonsdotter) Nelson
  • High School and Class:
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: PVT (Private)
  • Branch: Army
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: May 27, 1918 (Enlistment Date)
  • Place Sworn In:
  • Date of Discharge: May 18, 1919 (Release Date)
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    Information from World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918:
    Name: Carl Norman Nelson
    Race: Caucasian (White)
    Marital Status: Single
    Birth Date: April 24, 1895
    Birth Place: Wisconsin
    Residence Place: Itasca, Minnesota, USA
    Age in Years: 22
    Occupation: Farmer on Mother's Farm
    Dependents: Mother
    Height: Tall
    Build: Slender
    Color Eyes: Light Blue
    Color of Hair: Light Brown


    Carl served with the 77th Infantry, 308th Regiment, Company A.

    Carl was part of the "Lost Battalion" in World War I, but said he was not in "the trap". He had carried a wounded lieutenant off the battlefield back to the ammunitions emplacement. He was gassed with mustard gas and was stone blind for three weeks. He was in the hospital when the Armistice was signed on November 11 and the Argonne Forest Offensive. Seemed to be in October. He spoke about the carrier pigeons that were used. His commander was from New York and Carl had great respect for him. He had stomach problems for life after the mustard gas, but he did regain his sight. He and a partner each carried a "Shelter half" which they put together to form a tent. Mustard gas is heavier than air and the soldiers below them died. Twelve dollars of his monthly pay went to his mother, Maren, and he kept $ 8.00.

  • Wars Involved:
    World War I

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    Carl married Anna (Persson) Nelson.

    He served on the Carpenter Township Board.

    Carl raised four sons in Togo, Minnesota, farmed and had a sawmill.

    He is buried in Carpenter Township Cemetery in Itasca County, Minnesota.

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):

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