Davenport folks read in the Santa Cruz Sentinel that one of their own was "Killed in German Clash."

John A. Nelson was born in San Francisco, California, on January 24, 1924. Personal information regarding his parents has not been found. John's early years and education were spent in San Francisco, where he attended local elementary schools and Balboa High School. He and his brother Warren moved to Davenport to live with their aunt and uncle, Mr. & Mrs. John Ferrari, in 1939. In September, John entered Santa Cruz High School, took a general varied course of study and after school worked for the Davenport Bakery. He graduated from high school in 1942 and was employed as a farm hand in the Davenport area until he was drafted.

On December 7, 1943, John Nelson was drafted into the US Army. He trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and following training, was assigned to an ordinance battalion attached to an armored division. After spending a ten-day furlough in Santa Cruz, he was shipped to England where he arrived on June 6, 1944.

Nelson's (unidentified) unit took part in the invasion at Normandy France, and in the liberation of Belgium. In his final letter home September 17, 1944, he indicated that he was near Germany.

Private John A. Nelson was reported killed in action on October 19, 1944, during a clash with German forces. The location of his remains has not been identified; however, it is believed that they were returned to the United States.

(CBR; NARA2; SCHSC Pg. 14, SCSn November 07, 1944 1:8)