Bruce R. Nelson
November 7, 1938 ~ April 13, 2024
Born in:
Chicago, Illinois
Resided in:
San Antonio, Texas
Bruce Nelson, 85, passed away April 13, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born November 7, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Dr. C. Raymond and Ruth Nelson. He was a graduate of Alamo Heights High School , San Antonio College and the University of Texas at El Paso. Bruce joined the US Army and served our country for 15 years. During the Vietnam War, Bruce served as a rescue helicopter pilot and retrieved fellow soldiers from the battle fields. His unit worked closely with an Australian group, where he met lifelong friends. Bruce obtained the rank of Captain and held many awards granted by the Army including the Purple Heart Award, Order of Military Medical Merit, served with 159th Dustoff – 1st Australian Field Hospital and was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. After his service, Bruce taught small wing aircraft flying and later worked as a Publication Editor for the Army Medical Magazine at Fort Sam Houston. Bruce loved traveling and seeing new places. Both he and Greg were able to go to Australia several times over the years to visit friends he met during his time in the Army. Bruce and Greg enjoyed going on ocean and river cruises in Europe, countries visited included Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Estonia and Russia.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. C. Raymond and Ruth Nelson; sister, Patricia Nelson Baker; brother, Dr. Calvin R. Nelson and fur-baby, Lacey.
Left to cherish his memory is his long time partner of 20 Years and recent spouse, Greg Musquez; Greg’s numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, lifelong friends and Bruce’s only surviving cousin, Ruth Wahl of Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to The ASPCA in Bruce’s Honor. There will be a reception following the service at Casa Sol (9938 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216) where all guests are welcome to join us for food and fellowship.
Services
Graveside: May 1, 2024 2:30 pm
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX United States
78209
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I knew Bruce during the time he was a Communications Arts instructor at the Army AG School at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN. He wasn’t my supervisor, but we worked in the same office, teaching the basics of military briefings, staff studies, etc. I came to know him as a consummate professional, a deeply patriotic and honorable soldier, and most especially as a wonderful friend and mentor. Although we hadn’t seen each other in years, Bruce kept in touch via email and the occasional phone call. I considered him a brother I never had, and I will miss his presence in my life. God bless and keep you, my friend.
I knew Bruce for at least 20 year. Bruce was a wonderful, intelligent and interesting gentleman. And He was family. I will miss him so very much. When I think of him I think of Greg and Lacey. May Bruce Rest In Peace and may Perpetual Light Shine Upon him.
Rest in Peace, Bruce, you will be missed by many.
Although Bruce was a fellow 159th Dustoff Alum, I only met him years later as he & I planned the first 159th Reunion in San Antonio.
Bruce was a very outgoing, confident person, and gave his all as we planned the event, using his vast network of contacts within the Army, Ft. Sam, the Dustoff Association, Museum, and event centers and hotels in San Antonio. Not only did he give his time, he contributed his finances as well to ensure we all had a wonderful reunion.
He and Greg shared a wonderful life together, enjoying their travels and experiences. His love of dogs matched mine! I can easily see him with Lacey and Max!
His publishing experience and mentorship helped make our book of memories of Vietnam a huge success, with copies extensively distributed to school and municipal libraries as educational material for all who misunderstood or were unaware of the stories of Vietnam Vets.
R.I.P. my friend! Comfort and Blessings to you Greg.
Greg to you and all of yours who loved and cherished his presence in your lives my deepest sympathies. Bruce was a very good man. I am proud to have had the honor to serve with him. ‘Dustoff 19’ RVN.