John W. Nicholson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John William Nicholson Sr.
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| Born | February 22, 1934 |
| Allegiance |  United States |
 United States Army |
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| Years of service | 1956–1986 |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
John William "Jack" Nicholson Sr. (born February 22, 1934) is a retired Brigadier General from the United States Army. He was chosen by President George W. Bush in 2005 to be the secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). This group manages American military cemeteries and memorials around the world.
Life and Military Career
Before working at the ABMC, General Nicholson Sr. was an Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. He worked in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where he led the National Cemetery Administration. This administration takes care of national cemeteries for veterans.
He was born and grew up in Iowa. In 1956, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He earned a special award there called the General MacArthur Leadership Award. He also has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
General Nicholson Sr. is a highly trained combat soldier. He served two and a half years with infantry units during the Vietnam War. He also had military jobs in Germany, Korea, Lebanon, and Switzerland during his 30 years in the Army. In 2009, he received the Silver Star medal for his brave actions in Vietnam.
Today, he helps advise the Code of Support Foundation. This is a group that supports military service members and their families.
General Nicholson Sr. comes from a family of public servants. His brother, Jim Nicholson, used to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. His son, John W. Nicholson Jr., also graduated from West Point. His son became a U.S. Army general and led the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan for over two years. General Nicholson Sr. and his wife, Sophie, have five children and thirteen grandchildren.
Heroic Action in Vietnam
On December 27, 1963, when he was a Major, Nicholson was helping advise local forces in South Vietnam. During a long, eight-hour battle, their group of 200 soldiers was reduced to only 40. Major Nicholson bravely directed friendly fire and mortar fire. This helped them safely move 13 wounded soldiers through enemy territory. His actions showed great courage and leadership.
Awards and Honors
General Nicholson Sr. received many important awards for his service:
- Army Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star Medal with "V" device for valor
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Air Medal with "V" device
- Army Commendation Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal
- Korea Defense Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Army Overseas Service Ribbon
- Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order, 2nd class
- Vietnam Gallantry Cross
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
- Vietnam Campaign Medal
He also earned several special badges:
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Senior Parachutist Badge
- Ranger tab
- Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
- Army Staff Identification Badge
- 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Combat Service Identification Badge
- 503rd Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia
- Vietnamese Parachutist Badge
Images for kids
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Senior Parachutist Badge
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Ranger Tab
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Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
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Army Staff Identification Badge
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173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Combat Service Identification Badge
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Vietnamese Parachutist Badge
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Overseas Service Bars
