Caleb Andrew Nelson

On October 1st, 2011, Petty Officer 1st class (SEAL) Caleb Andrew Nelson was conducting a combat patrol in Zabul Afghanistan when his vehicle struck an IED and he sustained fatal injuries from the explosion.

Nelson was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Nelson comes from a large family of twelve. He loved playing sports growing up, particularly football and basketball. Nelson would often buy books on any sport or hobby that interested him and would teach himself, becoming a perfectionist in his hobbies. Nelson grew up a pastor’s son and had his own strong independent relationship with Jesus. Growing up Nelson was heavily involved with youth ministry and mentoring programs.

Inspired by his Grandfather, who was a veteran, and having read many books about Navy Seals, Nelson enlisted in the United States Navy on December 8th, 2004. During Nelson’s time in the Navy, he received many medals and commendations, including but not limited to the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Marine and Navy Corps achievement medal, Combat Action ribbon with gold star, Navy Unit commendation ribbon, Good conduct medal with gold star, National defense service medal, Afghanistan campaign medal with bronze star, Iraq campaign medal with bronze star, Global war on terror Expeditionary medal, Global war on terror service medal, Navy Sea service deployment ribbon with bronze star, NATO ISAF Afghanistan medal with bronze star, expert rifle medal, and expert pistol medal.

Nelson loved God and his country and understood his profession to be a duty, one that he paid with the ultimate sacrifice. Nelson was an incredible father and was so excited to raise his sons alongside his wife.

SO1 Petty Officer 1st Class Caleb Andrew Nelson is survived by his wife, Anna, and sons, David and Kyle.

PHOTOS