The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Aubrey Allen Nichols, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-7 pilot with Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VA-56), deployed aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway (CVA-41), in action over Southeast Asia. On 19 May 1972, Lieutenant Nichols led an Iron Hand section designated to provide missile suppression for armed reconnaissance flights into a heavily defended area of North Vietnam. While on station, he observed a flight of attack aircraft under heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. Rapidly analyzing the situation, he engaged the site without regard for his own safety. During his attack his aircraft sustained a direct hit. Although subsequently forced to eject over enemy territory, he displayed uncommon valor in the face of enemy fire. The courageous leadership and aerial skill of Lieutenant Nichols reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Aubrey Allen Nichols, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a propeller driven aircraft attached to and serving with Attack Squadron TWENTY-FIVE (VA-25), a unit of Attack Carrier Air Wing TWO, deployed aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), during a rescue attempt in North Vietnam on 16 October 1966. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nichols was launched as a wingman on a precautionary search and rescue/combat air patrol flight from CORAL SEA. He spent two and one-half hours on precautionary station before being called to provide rescue combat air patrol for an active rescue effort. He was detached from his seciton leader to escort a helicoper to the scene. Adverse weather, concentrations of enemy anti-aircraft defenses and numerous ground troops in the area provided him with many obstacles to a successful mission. His quick thinking, bold action and accurate troop suppression with complete disregard for his own personal safety while in the face of greave personal danger, permitted the helicoper to complete its mission unscathed. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nichols’ brilliant leadership and superb airmanship in the face of intense anti-aircraft barrage thrown up by an estimated two companies of gorund troops, low ceiling and poor visibility were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.