News Article - DSC Glenn R. Nicholas
Hattiesburg American - Mon, Mar 12, 1973
Distinguished Service Cross goes to local Vietnam veteran
On July 5, 1971, a young soldier from Hattiesburg was busy dodging enemy fire in Vietnam, and despite being wounded (Broken Back also), was making a gallant effort toward saving the life of the pilot of their crashed helicopter.
Saturday at Camp Shelby, SP5 Glenn R. Nicholas, now a Mississippi National Guardsman and matchmaking student a Jones Junior College, was presented the nation's second highest military award, the Distinguished Service Cross by Major General E. A. Beby Turnage, Adjutant General of Mississippi.
The presentation was made at the annual pre-camp conference of Mississippi Army National Guard and Army Reserve commanders and representatives of units that will train at Camp Shelby this summer.
Also in attendance were members of the Nicholas family including his parents Mr and Mrs Rudolph 2701 MecInnus Loop, Hattiesburg. The elder Nicholas also is a National Guardsmen with the rank of Specialist Six and is employed at Camp Shelby.
Young Nicholas, a 1970 graduate of Hattiesburg High School was serving as a Crew Chief of a Light Observation Helicopter in support of South Vietnam forces when it was hit by ground fire, seriously wounding the pilot. When the aircraft crashed into a. Wooded area, Nicholas was dazed, but attempted to remove the aviator who was unconscious.
The craft exploded with Nicholas receiving fragmentation wounds, however, he continued his efforts without regard for his personal safety. As he dragged the pilot clear of the wreckage, a second explosion. Occurred.
He then moved to a relatively safe places as the helicopter erupted with one final blast and began defending his position with a machine gun. Twice he exposed himself to enemy fire to wave off the rescue helicopter and it was not until a ground unit could move in and force the enemy back that a medical evacuation aircraft could get both the pilot and Nicholas away.
After his return from active duty, the Hattiesburg Native joined the Mississippi National Guard's 148th Transportation Company at Gulfport and became an employe of the Transportation Aircraft Repair Shop on the Gulf Coast. About a month ago, he decided to go to Jones Junior College and pursue the life of a watchmaker.