Winger Am. Legion Post 200 plans updates for grave site of Medal of Honor recipient, Wold
Tue, 06/04/2019 - 10:22am
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Seven Servicemen from the area gave their lives in World War 1. One of the greatest American Heroes of that was Nels T. Wold, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tideman Wold, who were among the earliest settlers in the Winger community. The American Legion Post in Crookston was named the Nels T. Wold post in his honor.
Nels T. Wold, of Winger, a Private in the 138th Infantry during World War 1.
He entered the service on April 12, 1918 and went to Camp Dodge, Iowa for preliminary training. He was promoted to private first class in Co. 1, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, and sailed to France on the S.S. Missinioba on May 3, 1918. Wold was killed in action near Cheppy, France on September 8, 1918.
Wold was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, one of three in the state of Minnesota to receive this honor. The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest and most prestigious personal military decoration that may be awarded to recognize U.S. military service members who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor.
The medal was presented to Wold's sister, Mrs. G. H. Dale of Climax, at a homecoming celebration there on June 2, 1919. Major General Leonard Wood made the presentation and read the following citation:
"Nels T. Wold, Private, Co. 1, 138th Infantry: for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Cheppy, France, on September 26, 1918. He rendered most galliant service in aiding the advance of his company, which had been held up by machine gun nests, advancing with one other soldier and silencing the guns, bringing back with him upon his return 11 prisoners. Later that day he jumped from a trench and rescued a comrade who was about to be shot by a German officer, killing the officer during the exploit. His actions were entirely voluntary and it was while attempting to rush a fifth machine gun nest that he was killed. The advance of his company was due mainly to his great courage and devotion to duty."
Wold was one of the 100 named by General Pershing as "America's Bravest".
His body was returned to America from France and reinterred in Elim Cemetery on September 25, 1921 under the auspices of the American Legion.