Birth date: Oct 8, 1937 Death date: Oct 8, 2024
Lt Gen Michael A Nelson (USAF Ret) passed away peacefully on his 87th birthday, Oct. 8, 2024, from complications due to mesothelioma. Mike was born in East Los Angeles, CA but spent most of his youth in Calexico, CA. He had fond m Read Obituary
The best combination of officer, leader, fighter pilot and human being I ever knew. I was his instructor pilot in the F-15 at Kadena - he was a 1* and I a young, dumb captain. What I learned from Iron Mike stayed with me, especially when I was a 1* leading a wing in combat. Dan "Fig" Leaf
Hard to believe that after 56 years we will not be getting Barbie & Mike's family Christmas letter at Easter anymore. The highlight of my Air Force career was serving with Mike as a student at Squadron Officer School, Class 67A, Maxwell AFB, AL for 14 weeks. From day one, Mike led the way as Student Leader, Section 65, Wing F, which culminated in Mike receiving the Commandant's Trophy for best overall student. Never a doubt, he was on his way to much bigger & better things. A true patriot ~~ thanks! Bev & Col. Tom Vitamvas
Mike, you were among the best of "the few..." Thanks for the example.
Was it that long ago that we shared your 21st birthday at the atop of th MARK IN San Francisco. So many great memories from Hawaii to that Rose Bowl game when you came all the way from Korea
Roger
RIP Mike.
Mike - thank you for 68 years of wonderful, shared memories too numerous to mention. From Palo Alto in the 1950s to the Canal du Midi in 2019, and many stops in-between, our times together were always special. The Court will stand adjourned, sine die.
Ben (and Jonnie)
