Memorial

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Nellis departed the United States for overseas duty with the 495th Replacement Group on 21 May 1944. He was reassigned to the 513th Fighter Squadron on 9 July 1944, where he participated in 70 aerial combat missions. He was shot down three times. Most of the missions flown by the 513th Fighter Squadron in 1944 were air-to-ground operations in support of General Patton’s 3rd Army. Due to the fast advance of the 3rd Army through France, the squadron was forced to change airfields constantly. The constant movement did not hamper the unit’s operations, however. The squadron proved quite effective in the air-interdiction and combat air support role. Nellis was an active member in those missions, receiving two promotions and several awards. On 18 December, the Germans launched a major counteroffensive in the Ardennes Forest area, known as the Battle of the Bulge. Because of bad weather, the 513th Fighter Squadron was unable to provide air support until 23 December. Most of the action occurred within 10 miles of the city of Bastogne, Belgium. Missions conducted in the Bastogne area were considered extremely hazardous. The fighter squadron flew sorties from dawn to dusk in support of the 101st Airborne Division until 29 December. It was in this environment that Nellis flew his final combat mission.
On 27 December 1944, Nellis was hit by ground fire while strafing a German convoy over Luxembourg. His plane burst into flames and plunged into the ground, and Nellis was not seen exiting the aircraft. His sacrifice was not in vain. The missions undertaken by the 513th Fighter Squadron saved many lives and destroyed irreplaceable German armored vehicles, personnel and supplies. In April 1949, the Air Force began its Memorial Program for the purpose of honoring certain individuals who distinguished themselves serving their country. The Air Force began receiving and evaluating recommendations for memorializing outstanding deceased military personalities who distinguished themselves to such an extent that the nation wished to perpetuate their memory by naming military air installations in their honor. Nellis was chosen unanimously by local civic organizations to be honored. Effective 30 April 1950, Las Vegas Air Force Base was officially renamed Nellis Air Force Base. A dedication ceremony to mark the occasion took place on 20 May, with Lieutenant Nellis’ family in attendance.