Nelson E. Luce, Major, USA Medical Service Corp. (ret), Dustoff 46 Slipped the surley bonds of earth and went home to his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Born in Portland, Maine to Earl Chester Luce and Elmina Hutchinson. The Luce’s settled in Cape Cod, Mass. in 1634. The Hutchinsons, Colonial Governor of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson under King George II. In the Revolutionary War, the English were defeated and the family exiled to Maine.
Assignments: Korea: 25th Medical Bn. in support of 25th infantry Div. Flight School: Camp Wolters, TX, transitioned into H-19 helicopters, Ft. Rucker, AL. Germany: 421st AA Company, 3rd Platoon, Ausberg, TDY trips: Iran, Tanzania, Yugoslavia, six months duty on Project Hope, off coast of Chili. Alaska: Artic Test Center, Ft. Greeley, AK. Test pilot CH47 (Chinook). Wrote 37 engineering change proposals. Vietnam 1967-68: Platoon Leader 4th Platoon, 45th AA Co. Lai Khe, direct support 1st Inf. Div. (The Big Red One). Nui Dat, Supporting three battalions of Australians. Received orders 1968 to head up USAAVNS, Dept. of Rotary Wing, Multi-Engine Branch, Ft. Rucker, AL. TDY U.S. Army Ski Team, St. Moritz, CH. Wrote two articles published in Aviation Digest Magazine. Retired at Ft. Rucker, AL. Awards: The Distinguished Flying Cross w/2 OLC. 23 Air Medals, Bronze Star, numerous other awards and citations.
Survived by his loving wife, Vivian, adult children from previous marriage, grand and great-grand children. Youngest daughter Heidi predeceased him, and dear friends and neighbors.
Heartfelt thanks to his primary physician, Dr. Katherine Price, Ascension S/H Clinic Perdido Bay. Kindred at Home Nicole and Michael PT’s for their continuing assistance. To his wonderful caregivers, Sassy, Theresa, Barbara, Tawanna and Donna.