This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Nichols, Franklin Allen, Maj Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Holdenville, Oklahoma
Last Address El Paso, Texas
Date of Passing Sep 16, 2002
Location of Interment Fort Bliss National Cemetery (VA) - Fort Bliss, Texas
He destroyed 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 probable and 1 damaged in WWII.
His AFDSM citation:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Franklin A. Nichols (AFSN: FR-4809/ASN: 0-412144), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, SEVENTH Air Force, Republic of Vietnam, from 15 June 1966 to 1 November 1967. During this period, General Nichols was responsible for advising the Commander on the full range of activities encompassed in the command mission and for formulating policy guidance to assist the staff to accomplish its functional responsibilities. Exhibiting outstanding abilities as a leader and staff officer, General Nichols, through applications of his wide experience in tactical air warfare and superior management skill, fulfilled these myriad responsibilities with unerring timeliness and accuracy. General Nichols' achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: June 15, 1966 - November 1, 1967 Service: Air Force
Rank: Brigadier General
He was also awarded a foreign medal that is not shown; see below.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model Lockheed P-38J Lightning Length 37.83 ft | 11.53 m Width 52.00 ft | 15.85 m Height 9.81 ft | 2.99 m Engine(s) 2 x Allison V-1710-111 water-cooled inline piston engines generating 1,425hp. Empty Weight 12,800 lbs | 5,806 kg MTOW 21,601 lbs | 9,798 kg Max Speed 414 mph | 666 km/h | 360 kts Max Range 2,237 miles | 3,600 km Ceiling 43,963 ft | 13,400 m | 8.3 miles Climb Rate 2,500 ft/min (762 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 1 x 20mm Cannon 4 x 12.7mm machine guns
10 x 5in high-explosive rockets (optional) 2 x Drop Tanks (optional) 2 x 500lb bombs (optional)
Up to 4,000lbs (908kg) of underwing ordnance. Accommodations 1
