The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William Jones Nicholson, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War I. General Nicholson Commanded with distinction the 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, from its organization to the time of the armistice–at all times with credit to himself and to his command. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Nicholson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralRegiment:
157th Infantry BrigadeDivision:
79th Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 29, 1918
War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1923)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brigadier General William Jones Nicholson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while Commanding the 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near the Bois-de-Beuge, Montfaucon, France, 29 September 1918. General Nicholson established and maintained his brigade post of command on an exposed elevation near the Bois-de-Beuge, in order that he might effectively direct the attack of his brigade upon the Madeleine Farm and its surrounding woods. Realizing the important of increased artillery support, he personally visited the division post of command behind Montfaucon to seek such support. In his absence the brigade post of command open to enemy observation was swept by a concentration of enemy machine-gun fire and artillery fire. In the face of this terrific fire General Nicholson, with great coolness and with complete disregard for his own safety, rode forward on horseback to his brigade post of command to issue orders for the renewed attack upon the Madeleine Farm, supervising the formation for attack, and by his brave and gallant example inspired the men of his command with renewed courage and determination, which enabled them to reach their objective and hold it against repeated enemy counterattacks.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralRegiment:
157th Infantry BrigadeDivision:
79th Division, American Expeditionary ForcesAction Date:
September 29, 1918
GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 1919)By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Brigadier General William John Nicholson, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Brigadier General Nicholson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as Commanding General, 157th Infantry Brigade, 79th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action north of Bois de Bouge, 29 September 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.