was subsequently ordered to the National War College in Washington, D.C., where he graduated in June 1948 and assumed duty as a member of the General Board of the Navy at the Navy Department. In June, 1950, Nelson was ordered to San Francisco for duty as director of the 12th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District and had direction over a number of reserve units and recruitment stations. His duty included also inspection of reserve and recruitment units, and to make calls on governors and other public officials. Nelson was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in August 1952 and ordered to the Headquarters Marine Corps for duty as assistant chief of staff for personnel (G-1). While in this capacity, he was responsible for the planning of budget for personnel matters for all marine forces and its advocating before the congressional committee on appropriations. In June 1955, Nelson was ordered to Coronado, California, for duty as commanding general, Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific. He was responsible for the amphibious training of Army and Navy forces on the West Coast of the United States until the beginning of July 1956, when he was succeeded by his Naval Academy classmate, Russell N. Jordahl and retired from active duty. Nelson was advanced to the rank of major general on retirement, for having been specially commended in combat. Death Major General Nels H. Nelson died on April 25, 1973, in Fairfax, Virginia, and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. His wife, Helen Laird Nelson (1902–1989) is buried next to him. They had one daughter. Decorations Here is the ribbon bar of Major General Nels H. Nelson: See also Naval Amphibious Base Coronado References 1903 births 1973 deaths People from Clay County, South Dakota United States Marine Corps generals United States Naval Academy alumni National War College alumni American military personnel of the Banana Wars United States Marine Corps personnel of World War II Recipients of the Legion of Merit Military personnel from South Dakota Burials at Arlington National Cemetery