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 Sergeant First Class Harold O. Nicholls (ASN: 36238), United States Army Air Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 7th Balloon Company, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Griscourt, France, 11 August 1918; and near Avocourt, France, October 1 and 9, 1918. On 11 August Sergeant Nicholls volunteered and ascended for the purpose of making observation. He continued with his work until the balloon was set on fire by attacking enemy planes. On 1 October he remained on duty until his balloon was fired by incendiary bullets, and again on 9 October while on duty with another observer, he remained with his balloon under attack until it was set on fire by enemy planes, and he then refused to jump until his companion had escaped.