The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Bromfield Bradford Nichol (NSN: 0-58680), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE-62), during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa from 1 March to 24 June 1945. During this period of intensified and hazardous amphibious operations, Captain Nichol ably fought his ship and directed the aircraft based on his vessel in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy. By his leadership and professional skill, he aided materially in providing effective support to our amphibious forces and our troops ashore, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of these campaigns. Captain Nichol’s devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Nichol is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)