system. For his service in this capacity, Nelson was decorated with Haitian National Order of Honour and Merit, rank Officer. He returned to the United States in August 1934 and assumed duty as an instructor at the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard. Nelson taught newly commissioned Marine officers there until August 1936, when he was ordered to the Marine Corps Schools, Quantico for Junior Course, which he completed the course in May 1937 and returned to the Marine Corps Base San Diego. In September of that year, Nelson departed for China and served as Communications officer of 4th Marine Regiment under Colonel Charles F. B. Price. He was stationed at Shanghai International Settlement during the period of tensions between Japan and China and distinguished himself in his capacity. Nelson received a Letter of Commendation from the Commander-in-Chief, Asiatic Fleet, Admiral Thomas C. Hart for "exercising considerable tact, judgement and initiative in preserving the security of the resident and their property from internal disorders." World War II Following his return to the United States in July 1940, Nelson was attached to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., and served as communications materiel assistant to the Quartermaster General, Seth Williams and as officer-in-charge of the Signal Supply Division. Nelson remained in that capacity until July 1943, when he was ordered to South Pacific and joined the staff of I Marine Amphibious Corps under Major General Alexander A. Vandegrift as corps signal officer. While in this capacity, he took part in the Bougainville Campaign in November–December 1943 and received the Navy Commendation Medal for his service. Upon the redesignation of I Marine Amphibious Corps to III Marine Amphibious Corps (III MAC) in April 1944, Nelson remained in his previous capacity and took part in the recapture of Guam in July of that year. He distinguished himself again and received the Legion of Merit with Combat "V". Nelson later served with III MAC during the battle of Peleliu in fall 1944 and battle of Okinawa in April–May 1945 and received the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service. Later service He returned to the United States in September 1945 and reported for duty at Portsmouth Navy Yard, where he was appointed commanding officer of Marine Barracks there. Nelson was appointed commanding officer of the Guard detachment at Naval Prison there in April 1946 and remained in that capacity until August 1947. Nelson