Niel E. "Rick" Nelson is a retired United States Marine Corps major general.[1] He took command of the United States Marine Forces Europe and Africa in 2015.[2] His final assignment before his 2018 retirement was as Assistant Deputy Commandant for Combat Development & Integration and Deputy Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.[3][4]
Nelson was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He graduated from San Diego State University and was commissioned into the United States Army in May 1984.[3]
Nelson was named a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Army Advanced Engineer Officers School; attended Marine Corps Command and Staff College where he received a Masters of Military Science; attended the School for Advance Warfighting; and the United States Army War College, where he received a Master of Science in International and Strategic Studies. Nelson also holds a Master of Science in Systems Management and graduated from the Joint Forces Staff College.[3]
Nelson's promotion to brigadier general was approved by the United States Senate in May 2011.[5] His subsequent promotion to major general was approved in March 2015.[6]
In 2015 Nelson was awarded the de Fleury Medal in a ceremony held in Kabul.[7] His additional military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars; Bronze Star Medal with V Device; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with one Gold Star; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars; Army Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.[3]
Nelson is the son of Ronald Andrew Nelson (born 26 July 1933) and Kathleen Ann "Kay" (Butler) Nelson (18 November 1936 – 25 October 2019). He has a sister and two brothers. His father retired from the United States Army as a lieutenant colonel and one of his brothers also served in the Marine Corps, retiring as a major.[8][9][10]
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