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David L. Nichols
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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David L. Nichols (January 18, 1934 – April 5, 1997) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force (USAF). He flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam, collected 8,800+ flying hours, and held command three times.[1]
He was the first director of the Air Force's ground-launched cruise missile planning group and oversaw the construction of six bases in five NATO countries.[1]
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Personal life and death
Nichols married his wife, Janice Lesan, in 1958. They remained married until his death. She died in 2003 and they are buried together at Arlington National Cemetery.
He died on April 5, 1997.[2]
Career and awards
Nichols joined the military in 1955.
As a fighter pilot, he flew 100 missions over North Vietnam in the F-105D as part of Operation Rolling Thunder. He was a Wild Weasel, which was a program that outfitted his aircraft with anti-radiation missiles and tasked with the suppression of enemy air defenses. He accrued over 8,800 flying hours.
Nichols helped the deployment of the ground-launched weapon system from 1980 to 1985. He was the first director of the Air Force's ground-launched missile planning ground. Later on, he established and then directed the ground-launched cruise missile planning group in Europe. He helped manage the missiles beddown activities and oversaw the building of six bases in five North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries.[1][2]
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Silver Star |
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Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters |
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Distinguished Service Medal |
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Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster |
| no ribbon | Order of the Sword |
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Assignments
References
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