During World War II, Franklin Nichols became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1970 as a Major General.
Sponsored by:
Franklin
Allen
Nichols
April 18, 1918
–
September 16, 2002
Cemetery:
Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
431st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
475trh Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 431st Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
7th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
49th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
December 7, 1942
Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 69 (April 18, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Buna, New Guinea, on 7 December 1942. Captain Nichols’ superb airmanship, gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Nichols and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
7th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
49th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Nichols and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
June 15, 1966 – November 1, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, from 15 June 1966 to 1 November 1967. During this period, General Nichols was responsible for advising the Commander on the full range of activities encompassed in the command mission and for formulating policy guidance to assist the staff to accomplish its functional responsibilities. Exhibiting outstanding abilities as a leader and staff officer, General Nichols, through applications of his wide experience in tactical air warfare and superior management skill, fulfilled these myriad responsibilities with unerring timeliness and accuracy. General Nichols’ achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
7th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
49th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
7th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
49th Fighter GroupDivision:
5th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Franklin Allen Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 7th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.