The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Kenneth David Nichols (ASN: 0-17498), United States Army, Retired, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from 21 April 1948 to 31 October 1953. Major General Nichols distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service in positions of great responsibility as Deputy to the Director, Plans and Operations Division, General Staff, United States Army; Chief, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project; Senior Army Member on the Military Liaison Committee to the Atomic Energy Commission; Deputy to the Director of Guided Missiles in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Chief of Research and Development, Office of the Chief of Staff, during the period 21 April 1948 to 31 October 1953. In these duties General NicholsÕ superior performance of duty constituted a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the Army in the field of atomic weapons. From the very inception of the concept of an atomic bomb the Army marked General Nichols to assist in its planning and development. The brilliant role that he played in the historic Manhattan Project more than justified the confidence placed in him. In his capacity as Chief, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, General Nichols developed the first joint organization and program for employment of atomic weapons and expedited their assembly and utilization by the Military Establishment. Throughout this period he led the military through the difficult initial phases in the development of a revolutionary, new weapons system. His efforts were of exceptional value in accelerating the production and development of guided missiles and of elevating the whole level of Army interest in the support of the field of research and development. In each of his various assignments General Nichols met every requirement in a superb manner and repeatedly displayed broad professional knowledge, great tact, diplomacy, painstaking attention to detail and unfaltering energy. By his actions General Nichols has reflected the utmost credit upon himself and upheld the esteemed traditions of the military service of the United States.Ó