The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Daniel Clement Nichols (MCSN: 0-104295), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Executive Officer of Battery D, Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 13 May 1969, Battery D was occupying a defensive position at Fire Support Base Erskine in Quang Tri Province and was preparing for a fire mission when a flash fire started in an artillery emplacement. Reacting instantly, First Lieutenant Nichols unhesitatingly rushed toward the blaze in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Alertly observing that the flames were moving rapidly toward the ready pit, which contained several high explosive artillery rounds, he fearlessly entered the pit, which contained several high explosive artillery rounds, he fearlessly entered the pit and, although fully aware of the dangers involved, quickly began removing the ammunition. While First Lieutenant Nichols was resolutely engaged in this hazardous task and was attempting to smother the fire, the remaining rounds exploded and he was mortally wounded. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Nichols upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Daniel Clement Nichols (MCSN: 0-104295), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Assistant Executive Officer of Battery D, Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 February 1969, Battery D was occupying a position at Fire Support Base Cunningham in Quang Tri Province when the base came under an intense mortar attack followed by a fierce ground assault by a large North Vietnamese Army force which penetrated the friendly perimeter. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, First Lieutenant Nichols unhesitatingly left his position of relative safety and advanced across the fire-swept terrain to the point of heaviest contact. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting in the area, he moved from one position to another, distributing ammunition and encouraging his men as they encountered the advancing enemy. Continually braving hostile fire, First Lieutenant Nichols effectively slowed the hostile advance by repeatedly throwing hand grenades into the leading elements of the attack, and then rallying his men, he led them in an aggressive counterattack which turned the tide of battle and routed the hostile force. On one occasion, when his weapon malfunctioned, he recovered a discarded enemy rifle and continued to deliver fire against the retreating hostile force. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk, First Lieutenant Nichols contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.