The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John H. Nichols, Jr. (MCSN: 0-50228), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 March 1951. When the assault platoon of the company was pinned down and critically depleted by casualties during the assault on well-fortified enemy positions north of Hoengsong, Second Lieutenant Nichols unhesitatingly moved to the head of his platoon and bravely led his men through a hail of machine gun and mortar fire to effect the relief of the halted unit. Although the initial assault was repulsed by withering grenade and automatic weapons fire, which wounded him and several of his men, he skillfully effected a hasty reorganization and led a successful charge against the hostile positions. By his exemplary leadership, inspiring courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Nichols was directly instrumental in seizing the objective and in capturing a great quantity of enemy ordnance, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.