Nelson Rae

Nelson Stuart Rae (December 3, 1914 – January 12, 1945) was an American actor who worked in radio and on stage before his death in combat during World War II. Born in New Jersey, Rae was the third of four brothers, all of whom served in the war. He grew up in Brielle, New Jersey, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Rae.

Rae began his professional acting career as a member of the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company. His stage work led him to Broadway, where in December 1940 he joined the original cast of the musical Pal Joey, a production that starred Gene Kelly. The show marked his sole Broadway credit.

In March 1941, Rae was drafted into military service and departed the cast of Pal Joey, which was subsequently filled by Norman Van Emburgh. He was assigned to the 518th Military Police Battalion at Fort Jay on Governors Island, New York, where his responsibilities included overseeing soldier entertainment.

Rae later deployed to Europe as part of the 2nd Division Counter Intelligence Corps, a detachment activated in August 1944 in France and attached to the 2nd Infantry Division. He attained the rank of technical sergeant. Rae died of wounds on January 12, 1945, in Belgium. His family received notification of his death that same month. He was buried in Mendham, New Jersey.