This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Sgt Lynn Rutt
to remember
Marine LtGen Herman Nickerson Jr.
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Contact Info
Last Address Belfast. Maine
Date of Passing Dec 27, 2000
Location of Interment Maplewood Cemetery - Lincolnville, Maine
Wall/Plot Coordinates Lot 53 Stone 5
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Other Comments:
NICKERSON, HERMAN, JR. Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald Nickerson, Jr. (0-5128), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yong-gu, Korea, on 31 May 1951. Assigned the mission of securing a strategically important objective, Colonel Nickerson, displaying rare tactical ingenuity and inspirational leadership, skillfully directed the operations of his regiment. Learning that two of his battalions were heavily engaged and that the enemy was grouping for a counterattack, Colonel Nickerson unhesitatingly left the comparative safety of his command post and fearlessly moved forward over rugged mountainous terrain, under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, to the most forward element of his command. Unmindful of his personal safety, he advanced to an exposed vantage point under heavy enemy fire and, through his brilliant guidance, his troops repulsed the ferocious counterattack, taking the offensive and overwhelming the fanatical enemy to secure the high ground dominating the vital road junction of Yong-gu. The outstanding devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Nickerson in this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951) Born: July 30, 1913 at Boston, Massachusetts Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
Since September 1941, Camp Lejeune (luh-jern) has been the home of "Expeditionary Forces in Readiness", and throughout the years, it has become the home base for the II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and other combat units and support commands.
There are several major Marine Corps commands and one Navy command aboard Camp Lejeune. Some tenant commands include Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and the naval hospital to name a few. Marine Corps Base owns all the real estate, hosts entry-level and career-level formal schools and provides support and training for tenant commands; II Marine Expeditionary Force conducts operational planning for Fleet Marine Force commands; 2nd Marine Division is the ground combat element of II MEF; 2nd Marine Logistics Group is the combat service support element of II MEF; and 2nd Marine Air Wing, headquartered at Cherry Point, N.C., is the air combat element of II MEF. Additionally, the naval hospital provides primary medical care to service members and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.
Today, as in the past, Camp Lejeune's mission remains the same - to maintain combat-ready units for expeditionary deployment.
To help prepare warfighters for combat and humanitarian missions abroad, Camp Lejeune takes advantage of 156,000 acres, 11 miles of beach capable of supporting amphibious operations, 34 gun positions, 50 tactical landing zones, three state-of-the-art training facilities for Military Operations in Urban Terrain and 80 live fire ranges to include the Greater Sandy Run Training Area.
The base and surrounding community is home to an active duty, dependent, retiree and civilian employee population of approximately 170,000 people. The base generates almost $3 billion in commerce each year, coming from payrolls and contracts to support the structure required to train and equip our modern Marines.
Some services available aboard Camp Lejeune include: childcare, shopping, education, family support, hunting and fishing, dining, boating and swimming.
Some facilities on base include banks and credit unions, the commissary, the library, hobby shops, fitness centers, the beach, theaters and more.
From the supporting infrastructure, a tradition of excellence in doing day-to-day business has evolved. From environmental programs that include a state-of-the-art landfill and water treatment system to quality of life programs that ensure Marine families are taken care of, Camp Lejeune stands out as a superior military base.
Camp Lejeune is a seven-time recipient of the Commander-in-Chief's Award for Installation Excellence. This award recognizes the base on a Department of Defense level for effectively managing assets and developing quality programs to accomplish the mission of providing expeditionary forces in readiness.
The Marines, sailors, Coast Guardsmen and civilian Marines who provide for the efficient management of Camp Lejeune's assets strive to ensure even grander goals are realized in the future.
