Monday, March 12, 2012


Don Nellis passed away peacefully on the early afternoon of February 27th, 2012. His health had been in decline for several years. He was interred on March 5th at Fairfax Memorial Park in Fairfax, VA, with his wife Pauline.

His plan to pursue a musical career after high school was interrupted by World War II. He joined the Navy and ended up making the Navy a career, retiring in northern Virginia.

Don is survived by his three children Jim, Sheila Boggs, and John, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

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[click on photos to enlarge]

The front of the chapel for the service.


Navy Honor Guard at the gravesite unfurling the colors. Our mother’s headstone is visible to the right of the stand.


The colors were received by John and Tina's sons Jack and Carl (behind Jack). Sheila is in the foreground.


Carl, Jack, John & Tina, Sheila & Mark, granddaughter Nicole with her husband Keith. Jim took all the photos.

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UNIFORM AND AWARDS


MEDALS
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
ARMED FORCES RESERVE MEDAL
NAVAL RESERVE MEDAL
AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL (WWII)
ASIATIC PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL - FIVE AWARDS:
Asiatic-Pacific Specified Raids 1944 - February 16 - October 9, 1944
Western New Guinea operations April 21, 1944 - January 9, 1945
Marianas operation June 10 - August 27, 1944
Western Caroline Islands operation August 31 - October 14, 1944
Leyte operation October 10 - November 29, 1944
WORLD WAR II VICTORY MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDAL


RIBBONS
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION
Awarded to the USS Belleau Wood CVL-24 and embarked squadrons (VF-21)
PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL RIBBON (with service star)
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION

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THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS



The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.


[Citation reprint follows]

In the name of the President o the United States, the Commander, FIRST Carrier Task Force, United States Pacific Fleet, presents the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

ENSIGN JOHN DONOVAN NELLIS
UNITED STATES NAVAL RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For distinguishing himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight in the vicinity of the PHILIPPINE SEA on 25 October 1944. As a pilot of a carrier based fighter plane he participated in a rocket and strafing attack against several large units of the enemy fleet. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire from these ships, he pressed home his rocket attack to extreme low level and obtained three hits on a heavy cruiser believed to be of the NACHI class. His courage and skill throughout were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



M. A. MITSCHER,
Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy.

[cover letter dated 3 Jan 45]


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Wedding day 1945. They were married 60 years.


Mom's 65th high school reunion 2004. She passed away in 2006.



Music was his lifelong hobby.


Jim, Sheila, John, and Dad - Outer Banks June 2008