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.