William Lloyd Nelson, born near Dover, Delaware, on February 22, 1918, was the son of J. Clarence and Carrie Phillips Nelson. After his family moved to a farm near Middletown, he attended the community’s public schools and graduated from Middletown High School in 1937. Active in the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America, he was also recognized for achievements in baseball, basketball, and football. He entered the United States Army on January 9, 1941, and as a member of the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, took part in the invasion of North Africa in the fall of 1942. On the morning of April 24, 1943, at Djebel Dardyss, Tunisia, he commanded a heavy mortar section. Seeking to stop a German counter-offensive, he led his men to a forward position and then advanced alone to observe the enemy and direct the attack. Under intense fire, he directed a concentrated barrage that halted the German advance. Mortally wounded, he crawled to an even more advanced position and, though dying and only fifty yards from enemy forces, urged his section to continue the attack. His body was later returned for burial in Silverbrook Cemetery in Wilmington, Delaware, and he received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage, self-sacrificing devotion to duty, and heroism.