AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4B

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to Captain Doyle Allen Nicholson, United States Marine Corps Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 323, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 13 September 1968, Captain Nicholson launched as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned to provide close air support for a United States Army company which was heavily engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force southeast of Chu Lai. Despite adverse weather and approaching darkness which limited visibility in the designated area, he established and maintained an orbit of the darkened target area, keeping the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) in sight until the hostile positions had been marked. Undaunted by the intense enemy ground fire directed against his aircraft, Captain Nicholson completely disregarded his own safety as he skillfully maneuvered his Phantom on repeated bombing runs against the North Vietnamese force, delivering his ordnance with pinpoint accuracy, often within 100 meters of the friendly positions. His devastating attacks were instrumental in the rout of the enemy force, leaving behind eighty-three North Vietnamese soldiers killed and enabled the friendly unit to regain the offensive. Captain Nicholson's courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.