Bromfield Bradford Nichol was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 18, 1904, son of Robert Wharton and Mamie Lee (Ridley) Nichol. He was reared near Nashville, Tennessee, and attended grade school and Montgomery-Bell Academy in Nashville. He entered the U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1920, and was graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 5, 1924.
Through subsequent promotions, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
Following graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1924, he was assigned to the U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI, and before his detachment in January 1926 had duty as Gunnery Officer of that battleship. He was a student aviator at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, during the next year, being designated Naval Aviator in December 1926. He served with Scouting Squadron l and Torpedo Squadron9 of Aircraft Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, attached to the U.S.S. WRIGHT from January 1927 to June 1929, and for two years thereafter was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, as a flight instructor.
In June 1931 he joined Scouting Squadron 10 attached to the U.S.S. LOUISVILLE and, detached three years later, returned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, to served until April 1937 as Chief Flight Instructor and Squadron Executive Officer. From May of that year until January 1938 he was aboard the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE as Flight Operations Officer of Bombing Squadron 6. He was Flag Secretary on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division ONE and Carrier Division TWO, and later Commander Aircraft Battle Force, still attached to the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, flagship from January 1938 to January 1942.
During the first ten months of the United States' participation in World War II, he served as Tactical Officer and Assistant for operations in various carrier task forces, under Admirals Halsey, Spruance, and Kinkaid. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of the second like award, with citations which follow, in part:
Silver Star Medal: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the central Pacific, covering a period from December 6, 1941 to July 14, 1942."
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal: "For gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, August 24, 1942, and Santa Cruz Is1and, October 26, 1942, Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces...(his) cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of these battles . . . ."
He also has the Ribbon for, and a facsimile of, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE. "For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area, area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942....Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as a solid bulwark in defense of the American Nation."
Remaining in the Pacific combat area, he served from October 1942 to October 1943 as Assistant Operations Officer on the staff of Commander South Pacific Forces. He then returned to the United States for duty as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, until January 1945. There he directed the station's important role of serving fleet squadrons based in the Northwest and in the Aleutians.
From February of that year, throughout the remaining war period, and until April 1946, he commanded the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE 62). For "exceptionally meritorious conduct (in that command) during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa from March 1 to June 24, 1945 . . ." he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".
The Citation continues; "During this period of intensified and hazardous amphibious operations, Captain Nichol ably fought his ship and directed the aircraft based on his vessel in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy...(and) aided materially in providing effective support to our amphibious forces and our troops ashore, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of these campaigns..."
In April 1946 he joined the staff of Commander Carrier Division 14, and served as Chief of Staff and Aide until ordered in February 1947 to duty in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Aviation, Plans Division-Programs Coordination). A year later he transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics, and was designated Navy Member of the Aeronautical Board. While so assigned he served additionally as a member of the Munitions Board and Advisory Committee.
From August 1949 to June 1950 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., and in July 1950 he assumed command of the U.S.S. WRIGHT (CVL-49). He was detached a year later to command the Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California.
In addition to the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star in lieu of the second award, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and the Ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, Admiral Nichol has the American Defense Service Medal: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with engagement stars; the American Campaign Medal; the the World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons.
Married to the former Catherine Howard of Annapolis, Maryland, he has a son, Bromfield Bradford Nichol Jr. Their usual address is 1910 Ridley Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
ADMIRAL Nichol was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Tennessee Society, Andrew Jackson Chapter), and the Arm and Navy Country Club, Washington, D.C.
(bio provided by chuck cummins)
Through subsequent promotions, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
Following graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1924, he was assigned to the U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI, and before his detachment in January 1926 had duty as Gunnery Officer of that battleship. He was a student aviator at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, during the next year, being designated Naval Aviator in December 1926. He served with Scouting Squadron l and Torpedo Squadron9 of Aircraft Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, attached to the U.S.S. WRIGHT from January 1927 to June 1929, and for two years thereafter was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, as a flight instructor.
In June 1931 he joined Scouting Squadron 10 attached to the U.S.S. LOUISVILLE and, detached three years later, returned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, to served until April 1937 as Chief Flight Instructor and Squadron Executive Officer. From May of that year until January 1938 he was aboard the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE as Flight Operations Officer of Bombing Squadron 6. He was Flag Secretary on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division ONE and Carrier Division TWO, and later Commander Aircraft Battle Force, still attached to the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, flagship from January 1938 to January 1942.
During the first ten months of the United States' participation in World War II, he served as Tactical Officer and Assistant for operations in various carrier task forces, under Admirals Halsey, Spruance, and Kinkaid. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of the second like award, with citations which follow, in part:
Silver Star Medal: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the central Pacific, covering a period from December 6, 1941 to July 14, 1942."
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal: "For gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, August 24, 1942, and Santa Cruz Is1and, October 26, 1942, Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces...(his) cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of these battles . . . ."
He also has the Ribbon for, and a facsimile of, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE. "For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area, area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942....Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as a solid bulwark in defense of the American Nation."
Remaining in the Pacific combat area, he served from October 1942 to October 1943 as Assistant Operations Officer on the staff of Commander South Pacific Forces. He then returned to the United States for duty as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, until January 1945. There he directed the station's important role of serving fleet squadrons based in the Northwest and in the Aleutians.
From February of that year, throughout the remaining war period, and until April 1946, he commanded the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE 62). For "exceptionally meritorious conduct (in that command) during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa from March 1 to June 24, 1945 . . ." he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".
The Citation continues; "During this period of intensified and hazardous amphibious operations, Captain Nichol ably fought his ship and directed the aircraft based on his vessel in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy...(and) aided materially in providing effective support to our amphibious forces and our troops ashore, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of these campaigns..."
In April 1946 he joined the staff of Commander Carrier Division 14, and served as Chief of Staff and Aide until ordered in February 1947 to duty in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Aviation, Plans Division-Programs Coordination). A year later he transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics, and was designated Navy Member of the Aeronautical Board. While so assigned he served additionally as a member of the Munitions Board and Advisory Committee.
From August 1949 to June 1950 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., and in July 1950 he assumed command of the U.S.S. WRIGHT (CVL-49). He was detached a year later to command the Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California.
In addition to the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star in lieu of the second award, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and the Ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, Admiral Nichol has the American Defense Service Medal: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with engagement stars; the American Campaign Medal; the the World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons.
Married to the former Catherine Howard of Annapolis, Maryland, he has a son, Bromfield Bradford Nichol Jr. Their usual address is 1910 Ridley Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
ADMIRAL Nichol was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Tennessee Society, Andrew Jackson Chapter), and the Arm and Navy Country Club, Washington, D.C.
(bio provided by chuck cummins)
Bromfield Bradford Nichol was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 18, 1904, son of Robert Wharton and Mamie Lee (Ridley) Nichol. He was reared near Nashville, Tennessee, and attended grade school and Montgomery-Bell Academy in Nashville. He entered the U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1920, and was graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 5, 1924.
Through subsequent promotions, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
Following graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1924, he was assigned to the U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI, and before his detachment in January 1926 had duty as Gunnery Officer of that battleship. He was a student aviator at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, during the next year, being designated Naval Aviator in December 1926. He served with Scouting Squadron l and Torpedo Squadron9 of Aircraft Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, attached to the U.S.S. WRIGHT from January 1927 to June 1929, and for two years thereafter was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, as a flight instructor.
In June 1931 he joined Scouting Squadron 10 attached to the U.S.S. LOUISVILLE and, detached three years later, returned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, to served until April 1937 as Chief Flight Instructor and Squadron Executive Officer. From May of that year until January 1938 he was aboard the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE as Flight Operations Officer of Bombing Squadron 6. He was Flag Secretary on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division ONE and Carrier Division TWO, and later Commander Aircraft Battle Force, still attached to the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, flagship from January 1938 to January 1942.
During the first ten months of the United States' participation in World War II, he served as Tactical Officer and Assistant for operations in various carrier task forces, under Admirals Halsey, Spruance, and Kinkaid. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of the second like award, with citations which follow, in part:
Silver Star Medal: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the central Pacific, covering a period from December 6, 1941 to July 14, 1942."
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal: "For gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, August 24, 1942, and Santa Cruz Is1and, October 26, 1942, Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces...(his) cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of these battles . . . ."
He also has the Ribbon for, and a facsimile of, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE. "For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area, area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942....Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as a solid bulwark in defense of the American Nation."
Remaining in the Pacific combat area, he served from October 1942 to October 1943 as Assistant Operations Officer on the staff of Commander South Pacific Forces. He then returned to the United States for duty as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, until January 1945. There he directed the station's important role of serving fleet squadrons based in the Northwest and in the Aleutians.
From February of that year, throughout the remaining war period, and until April 1946, he commanded the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE 62). For "exceptionally meritorious conduct (in that command) during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa from March 1 to June 24, 1945 . . ." he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".
The Citation continues; "During this period of intensified and hazardous amphibious operations, Captain Nichol ably fought his ship and directed the aircraft based on his vessel in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy...(and) aided materially in providing effective support to our amphibious forces and our troops ashore, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of these campaigns..."
In April 1946 he joined the staff of Commander Carrier Division 14, and served as Chief of Staff and Aide until ordered in February 1947 to duty in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Aviation, Plans Division-Programs Coordination). A year later he transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics, and was designated Navy Member of the Aeronautical Board. While so assigned he served additionally as a member of the Munitions Board and Advisory Committee.
From August 1949 to June 1950 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., and in July 1950 he assumed command of the U.S.S. WRIGHT (CVL-49). He was detached a year later to command the Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California.
In addition to the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star in lieu of the second award, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and the Ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, Admiral Nichol has the American Defense Service Medal: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with engagement stars; the American Campaign Medal; the the World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons.
Married to the former Catherine Howard of Annapolis, Maryland, he has a son, Bromfield Bradford Nichol Jr. Their usual address is 1910 Ridley Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
ADMIRAL Nichol was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Tennessee Society, Andrew Jackson Chapter), and the Arm and Navy Country Club, Washington, D.C.
(bio provided by chuck cummins)
Through subsequent promotions, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral.
Following graduation from the Naval Academy in June 1924, he was assigned to the U.S.S. MISSISSIPPI, and before his detachment in January 1926 had duty as Gunnery Officer of that battleship. He was a student aviator at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, during the next year, being designated Naval Aviator in December 1926. He served with Scouting Squadron l and Torpedo Squadron9 of Aircraft Squadrons, Scouting Fleet, attached to the U.S.S. WRIGHT from January 1927 to June 1929, and for two years thereafter was assigned to the Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, as a flight instructor.
In June 1931 he joined Scouting Squadron 10 attached to the U.S.S. LOUISVILLE and, detached three years later, returned to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, to served until April 1937 as Chief Flight Instructor and Squadron Executive Officer. From May of that year until January 1938 he was aboard the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE as Flight Operations Officer of Bombing Squadron 6. He was Flag Secretary on the Staff of Commander Carrier Division ONE and Carrier Division TWO, and later Commander Aircraft Battle Force, still attached to the carrier U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, flagship from January 1938 to January 1942.
During the first ten months of the United States' participation in World War II, he served as Tactical Officer and Assistant for operations in various carrier task forces, under Admirals Halsey, Spruance, and Kinkaid. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal and a Gold Star in lieu of the second like award, with citations which follow, in part:
Silver Star Medal: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander, during a series of highly successful offensive missions including the attacks on the Marshall and Gilbert Islands, the raids on Wake and Marcus Islands, the Battle of Midway and similar operations in the central Pacific, covering a period from December 6, 1941 to July 14, 1942."
Gold Star in lieu of second Silver Star Medal: "For gallant and intrepid conduct in action while serving on the staff of the Task Force Commander during the Battle of Stewart Island, August 24, 1942, and Santa Cruz Is1and, October 26, 1942, Constantly in danger from enemy surface and submarine forces...(his) cool determination and courage under fire were important factors contributing to the successful culmination of these battles . . . ."
He also has the Ribbon for, and a facsimile of, the Presidential Unit Citation awarded the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE. "For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War area, area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942....Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as a solid bulwark in defense of the American Nation."
Remaining in the Pacific combat area, he served from October 1942 to October 1943 as Assistant Operations Officer on the staff of Commander South Pacific Forces. He then returned to the United States for duty as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, until January 1945. There he directed the station's important role of serving fleet squadrons based in the Northwest and in the Aleutians.
From February of that year, throughout the remaining war period, and until April 1946, he commanded the U.S.S. NATOMA BAY (CVE 62). For "exceptionally meritorious conduct (in that command) during operations against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima and Okinawa from March 1 to June 24, 1945 . . ." he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".
The Citation continues; "During this period of intensified and hazardous amphibious operations, Captain Nichol ably fought his ship and directed the aircraft based on his vessel in inflicting extensive damage on the enemy...(and) aided materially in providing effective support to our amphibious forces and our troops ashore, thereby contributing materially to the successful completion of these campaigns..."
In April 1946 he joined the staff of Commander Carrier Division 14, and served as Chief of Staff and Aide until ordered in February 1947 to duty in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Aviation, Plans Division-Programs Coordination). A year later he transferred to the Bureau of Aeronautics, and was designated Navy Member of the Aeronautical Board. While so assigned he served additionally as a member of the Munitions Board and Advisory Committee.
From August 1949 to June 1950 he attended the National War College, Washington, D.C., and in July 1950 he assumed command of the U.S.S. WRIGHT (CVL-49). He was detached a year later to command the Naval Air Station, Moffett Field, California.
In addition to the Silver Star Medal with Gold Star in lieu of the second award, the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and the Ribbon for the Presidential Unit Citation to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, Admiral Nichol has the American Defense Service Medal: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with engagement stars; the American Campaign Medal; the the World War II Victory Medal; and the Philippine Defense and Liberation Ribbons.
Married to the former Catherine Howard of Annapolis, Maryland, he has a son, Bromfield Bradford Nichol Jr. Their usual address is 1910 Ridley Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee.
ADMIRAL Nichol was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (Tennessee Society, Andrew Jackson Chapter), and the Arm and Navy Country Club, Washington, D.C.
(bio provided by chuck cummins)
Inscription
TENNESSEE
RADM
US NAVY
WORLD WAR II
SS & GS-LM-NCM
Gravesite Details
WWII, KOREA, SILVER STAR (2), LEGION OF MERIT
Family Members
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