The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Major Hubert Campbell Nichols, Jr. (AFSN: FR-44853), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an A-1E Pilot near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam on 1 September 1966. On that date, Major Nichols led a flight of two A-1E’s on a search and rescue mission for a downed pilot reported being in an extremely heavy flak area. Despite the hazardous location and disregarding his own safety, Major Nichols began a search for the missing pilot. During the search his aircraft was hit by hostile ground fire. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Nichols reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
474th Fighter-Bomber GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
April 7, 1953
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Hubert Campbell Nichols, Jr. (AFSN: FR-44853), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 7 April 1953 in aerial combat against the enemy in Korea. Lieutenant Nichols was briefed to lead the second flight in a group of eight aircraft assigned to the 474th Fighter Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force. Due to a late start by the Group Leader, Lieutenant Nichols immediately took the lead. The target was rolling stock near Sonchon, Korea, deep in enemy territory and it was brought out in the briefing that attacks by the MiG 15 type enemy aircraft could be expected. Lieutenant Nichols led the group to the target area and attacked fifteen vehicles carrying enemy supplies and personnel. He positioned himself on the bomb run and released his bombs, cutting the road in front of the first vehicle, stopping the southerly flow of traffic. Quickly picking up his Wingman, he set up a strafing run on the tucks destroying one and damaging another. Compiled results of the attack were three road cuts, five vehicles destroyed and six vehicles damaged. As they were leaving the target area, enemy aircraft were reported near them but Lieutenant Nichols skillfully led his flight out of the danger area. Through his calm judgment, courage and leadership ability, Lieutenant Nichols has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
602d Fighter SquadronAction Date:
June 3, 1966
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-777 (September 27, 1966)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Hubert Campbell Nichols, Jr. (AFSN: FR-44853), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 602d Fighter Squadron, over North Vietnam, on 3 June 1966. On that date, Major Nichols led a flight of two A-1E Skyraiders assisting in the rescue of an F-105 pilot downed one mile offshore, within range of the gun positions defending Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. Arriving in the area, he located the pilot, and then attacked and dispersed several hostile boats attempting to capture the pilot. While the HU-16 landed for the recover, he disrupted a lethal anti-aircraft barrage directed at the rescue aircraft by making repeated rocket and 20-mm cannon passes against the guns, drawing their fire to himself. Because of his unbridled courage, the rescue was successfully completed. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Nichols has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantRegiment:
474th Fighter-Bomber GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
May 3, 1953
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders G-557 (August 14, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Hubert Campbell Nichols, Jr. (AFSN: FR-44853), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 3 May 1953, in armed aerial combat against the enemy on a night mission as a member of the 474th Fighter Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force. He sighted and effectively hampered enemy movements north of Sinanju, Korea, by destroying one enemy truck and effecting a road cut. He then headed north toward Kunu-ri and bombed five enemy vehicles, but was unable to score his hit, because of the close proximity of enemy aircraft in his immediate area. He expertly eluded the enemy and returned to his home base after he was ordered to leave the area because of heavy enemy aerial activity. Through his skill in night intruder flying, his courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Nichols has brought great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.