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, Junior Grade William Brewster Nickerson (NSN: 0-685008), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Bombardier/Navigator of an aircraft in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-85), during a bombing strike against a strategic port loading facility in North Vietnam on 19 April 1966. In the face of triple-threat enemy defenses composed of anti-aircraft artillery, surface-to-air missiles and fighter aircraft, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nickerson exercised exceptional skill and resourcefulness in navigating his aircraft to the target area, enabling the pilot to make a perfect dive and score direct hits on the assigned target, which totally immobilized the port loading facility. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nickerson’s professional skill and courage under extremely adverse and hazardous conditions were outstanding.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade William Brewster Nickerson (NSN: 0-685008), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Bombardier/Navigator of an aircraft in Attack Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VA-85) during a bombing mission against the vital Qui Vinh railroad facility in North Vietnam on 16 April 1966. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Nickerson demonstrated outstanding skill and courage in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, resulting in direct hits which devastated two large areas of the railway and destroyed several of the standing railway cars. His determined efforts in accurately navigating the aircraft and aiding in the attack were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.