Middletown in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sgt. William Lloyd Nelson
Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Photographed By William Pfingsten, August 17, 2008
1. Sgt. William Lloyd Nelson Marker
William Lloyd Nelson was born near Dover, Delaware, on February 22, 1918. He was the son of J. Clarence and Carrie Phillips Nelson. Following his family's move to a farm near Middletown, he was educated in the public schools of the community. He attended Middletown High School when it was located here, graduating in 1937. An active member of the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America, he was recognized for his athletic achievements in baseball, basketball and football. On January 9, 1941, he entered the United States Army. A member of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, he participated in the invasion of North Africa in the fall of 1942. On the morning of April 24, 1943, Sgt. Nelson was in command of a heavy mortar section at Djebel Dardyss, Tunisia. Hoping to stop a German counter-offensive, he led his men to a forward position and proceeded to advance alone so that he could observe the enemy and direct the attack. Under intense fire he directed a concentrated barrage that halted the German advance. Mortally wounded and with his mission completed, Sgt. Nelson crawled to a still more advanced position. Although dying of his wounds and only fifty
this page online
Erected 2005 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-144.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the 4-H Youth Program, the Delaware Public Archives, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 22, 1918.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 26.597′ N, 75° 42.915′ W. Marker was in Middletown, Delaware, in New Castle County. Marker was on S. Broad Street (Delaware Route 71), on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the grounds of Everett Meredith Middle School. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 504 S Broad Street, Middletown DE 19709, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Union Lodge No. 5 A.F.&A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); School Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away);
Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 24, 2010
2. Sgt. William Lloyd Nelson Marker
Photographed By William Pfingsten, August 17, 2008
3. Everett Meredith Middle School
Previously Middletown High School.
Photographed By Don Morfe, May 18, 2008
4. Sgt. William Lloyd Nelson Marker
Sgt. Nelson is buried in Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmingon DE. The grave GPS is N39.7519 W75.5903
Photographed By Carl Gordon Moore Jr., September 6, 2020
5. Sgt. William Lloyd Nelson Marker
The school is being demolished, but a replacement is planned for that site. At least for now, the marker is missing.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 3,023 times since then and 120 times this year. Last updated on September 7, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 24, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on April 19, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on September 7, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland.
