Wilfred R. Nelson, Chief, US Navy 1934-1938,1942-1945

Wilfred Nelson (“Nig”) made the 100 year mark at the end of last July. 100 years!He was the fifth of eleven kids born on a small homestead in SW Cheyenne County. In addition to joining his older brothers as farm help for his parents, he was a talented young man. By the time he was nineteen, he had done plenty of hard work and had lived through the Great Depression.

One of his older brothers, Delbert, had joined the U. S Navy and enjoyed it. He was a Naval Officer. This career choice encouraged Nig to join the Navy as well. In 1934, he headed to the recruiter’s office.

After signing himself up,...