The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major (Chaplain) Albert W. Nickel (ASN: 0-408559), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as Assistant Port Chaplain at the New York Port of Embarkation, Brooklyn, New York, on 26 April 1948, in voluntarily risking his life during an explosion and fire at the Kings County Lighting Works, Brooklyn, New York. Chaplain Nickel’s outstanding achievement on a mission of mercy, in the rescue of trapped and seriously injured persons and administering to their spiritual and physical needs during a period of grave emergency, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.