Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, U.S. Air Force

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1950

"For conspicuous gallantry in action on 3 and 4 August 1950. From 27 June to 3 August 1950 United Nations Forces in Korea were forced to effect a gradual withdrawal in the face of a drive by numerically superior enemy forces spearheaded by the newly designed T-34 tank. The enemy's extensive use of this heavily armored weapon was largely instrumental in the many casualties and setbacks suffered by friendly forces. Since this type of tank appeared impregnable to standard ground and air weapons, concrete intelligence data had to be obtained in order to devise effective counter measures. On 3 August 1950 Captain Nichols, informed of the position f two disabled T-34 tanks, proceeded with four Korean assistants to an advanced position where he was informed that three additional T-34 tanks had arrived to protect the disabled ones. At 1740 hours, fully aware of the extreme danger involved, he advanced beyond the front lines, crawling through intense cross fire. Reaching the disabled tanks, Captain Nichols discovered that enemy tank crews and other enemy troops were less than 40 feet distant. Despite the threat of imminent discovery, and equipped only with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver, Captain Nichols removed all nomenclature plates, vital operating parts, technical manuals, and complete radio, and several 85 millimeter shells. He further determined by evaluation the vulnerable points where this tank could be successfully attacked. Although removal of this equipment necessitated several arduous trips of nine hours duration under increasingly hazardous conditions, Captain Nichols continued, unmindful of his personal safety. When one of his assistants was wounded by mortar fire, Captain Nichols, at the risk of his life, evacuated him to friendly lines. The intrepidity and outstanding gallantry displayed by Captain Nichols in securing this intelligence data so essential to the United Nations effort in Korea reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 131

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron, U.S. Air Force

Awarded on:

December 8th, 1950

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 25 June 1950 to 15 October 1950. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Captain Nichols reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 13

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Office of Special Investigations (OSI), U.S. Government

Awarded on:

June 22nd, 1951

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the Office of Special Investigations, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 17 April 1951. Accompanied by five Korean specialists, Captain Nichols proceeded behind enemy lines in an unarmed helicopter to procure material of important intelligence value. Despite fragmentation hits scored on the engine and intense anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire encountered over hostile territory, Captain Nichols, determined to complete the assignment, directed the mission to continue. Landing in an area only a few miles from a major enemy supply depot Captain Nichols coolly and efficiently photographed the material, recorded all inscriptions and technical data, and supervised dismantlement of vital parts and loaded them aboard the helicopter. Although receiving heavy, accurate enemy fire on the return flight to friendly territory and suffering serious damage to a rotor blade, the crippled aircraft limped out to sea and, after flying eighty miles over the Yellow Sea along the Korean coast, made an emergency landing on a friendly island from which the group was subsequently evacuated. Captain Nichols voluntarily risked his life to wrest information of inestimable value from the very grasp of the enemy."

General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 159

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Korean War (1950-1953)