Nichols, Nick

MM3 HAROLD GRANT NICHOLS 9 September 1950

Harold G. Nichols “Nick” was born 25 July 1932, at La Rue, Texas. My hair was brown and I have hazel colored eyes. I moved to Chandler, Texas. When I was 17 years old, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. It was at Dallas, Texas, on 13 June 1950.

After boot camp, on 9 September 1950, I went aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754). She was recommissioned 15 September 1950. I was there.

In 1952, I was put in for a Letter of Commendation (with Ribbon) for meritorious service during USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) operations with the Seventh Fleet from 18 April 1952 to 4 September 1952. “During this period, EVANS was engaged in widely diverse operations in the Korean combat and Formosan areas, often in danger from enemy guns, and always requiring a reliable and efficient engineering plant. Although not a petty officer, NICHOLS’ procedures enabled him to perform in an excellent manner as top watch stander requiring knowledge and ability far above that normally required of his rate. His outstanding performance of duty has greatly assisted the ship in the proper performance of its assigned missions.” Signed, N. D. Salmon

Unfortunately, I never received the letter.

I served aboard USS FRANK E. EVANS (DD 754) for 2 years, 8 months, and 24 days between 1950 and 1953. I was discharged at San Diego, California with BT3 Leo C. Whalley, MM3 Henry T. Mormile Jr., and MM3 Carl W. Lenz Jr.

In 1994, “Nick” Nichols went on to become the founder of the USS FRANK E. EVANS ASSOCIATION.

Nick and his wife Billie currently reside at PO Box 306, Frankston, TX, 75763. You can reach them at 903-876-2413.