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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James J. Nichols, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Nichols distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 20 May 1970, while serving as a Rifleman with Company C, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting a combat sweep of an area near Trung Tin Village when it was assaulted by a large North Vietnamese Army force. During the ensuing battle Private Nichols and several other friendly soldiers suffered serious wounds. Overcoming the pain caused by his wounds, Private Nichols placed highly effective suppressive fire on the insurgents while a medical evacuation helicopter touched down. Ignoring his protestations, several comrades placed Private Nichols aboard the aircraft. Before the helicopter could disengaged from the area, it sustained several direct hits and crashed. Gallantly refusing to seek cover, Private Nichols resumed engaging the insurgents with rifle fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continued to put devastating bursts of suppressive fire on enemy positions while several friendly soldiers extracted the wounded passengers from the ship. Through his timely and courageous actions, Private Nichols served as an inspiration to his entire unit. His personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division and the United States Army.