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name
NICKERSON, Wendell T - Date of
birth
2 January 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska -
Hometown
Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O1319222 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Platoon Commander -
Unit
358th Infantry Regiment,
90th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
14 November 1944 - Place of
death
Distroff, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 11 | 23 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Allen T. Nickerson (father)
Ethel E. (Atwood) Nickerson (mother)
Robert A. Nickerson (brother)
Marion (Stenten) Nickerson (wife)
More information
1st Lt Wendell T. Nickerson attended the University of Nebraska and in September 1942 enlisted to attend the officers candidate school.He was graduated from Fort Benning's O.C.S. in May 1943 and went overseas in March 1944.
He was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The citation stated: On 16 June 1944, Lt Nickerson, a Platoon Leader, waded and swam some 800 yards under heavy fire to the Battalion C.P. in order to get supporting fire placed upon the enemy position. Lt Nickerson then worked his way back through the hostile fire to the forward elements which he moved to a more secure position and directed evacuation of the wounded from the fire swept area. By his leadership, courage and determination, Lt Nickerson was not only an inspiration to the men but also prevented may additional casualties and contributed largely to the fullfillment of his battalion mission.
He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery in Limey, France.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Atwood Nell Family Tree / U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, www.findagrave.com - Kay Cynova, www.newspapers.com - The Lincoln Star Nebraska - 3 December 1944
Photo source: www.ancestry.com - Arleeann / U.S. School Yearbooks Lincoln Nebraska, The University of Nebraska Yearbook 1945, www.newspapers.com - The Nebraska State Journal