James Nicholas Retired
Sergeant First Class, Retired

Specialty
68W
Position
Retired
Unit
Retired
Status
Retired
Time in service
2 years, 8 months, 28 days
Time in grade
3 months, 15 days



































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Date
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Text
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Mar 2, 2025 | Honorably Retired | |
Dec 1, 2024 | Attended Pathfinder School as a Student (Class 24-03) |
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Nov 30, 2024 | Graduated Pathfinder School (Class 24-02) | |
Nov 24, 2024 | Attended Airborne School as Safety Officer (Class 24-03) | |
Nov 17, 2024 | Attended Land Navigation Course as C-Staff (Class 24-04) | |
Sep 29, 2024 | Attended Airborne School as Chalk Commander (Class 24-03) | |
Sep 19, 2024 | Attended Combat Life Saver Course as Instructor (Class 24-04) | |
May 27, 2024 | Attended KAT Combat Life Saver Course as Instructor (Class 24-02) | |
May 19, 2024 | Attended Airborne School as Safety Officers (Class 24-02) | |
Apr 20, 2024 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Co-Instructor (Class 24-02) | |
Mar 22, 2024 | Alpha Company Rifle Requalifications | |
Mar 14, 2024 | Attended Driver and Operator Course as Co-Instructor (Class 24-01) | |
Feb 25, 2024 | Attended Advanced Radio Communications Course as Co-Instructor (Class 24-01) | |
Feb 23, 2024 | Attended Airborne School as Co-Instructor (Class 23-04) | |
Jan 22, 2024 | Attended Land Navigation Course as C-Staff (24-01) | |
Jan 15, 2024 | Attended Combat Life Saver Course as Instructor (Class 24-01) | |
Nov 26, 2023 | Attended Air Assault as Chalk Commander (Class 23-03) | |
Nov 17, 2023 | Attended Land Navigation Course as Co-Instructor (23-06) | |
Oct 29, 2023 | Attended 68W Combat Medic School as Instructor (Class 23-04) | |
Oct 17, 2023 | Force Improvement Group: Hired as Drill Sergeant (11BX) | |
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Date
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Award
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Mar 2, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). Awarded: Sun, Mar 2, 2025 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() A lot can be said about Staff Sergeant James Nicholas’ time with the 3rd Infantry Division. He has been loyal, dedicated, active, and a friend. Nicholas has distinguished himself within First Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion in many ways. He is the Team Leader of the 21Y Uniform Updaters, a Drill Sergeant in FIG, and, of course, his primary billet, Platoon Medic for “Widowmakers.”
Sergeant Nicholas has served as the First Platoon Medic for over 620 days. He has done so while living up to the 7 core values of the United States Army and the Third Infantry Division Realism Unit. As the Platoon Medic for “Widowmakers,” he has been vital in introducing new doctrine, and procedures, and overall upgrading and elevating the field of virtual battle week in and week out.
Staff Sergeant Nicholas has been instrumental to the Platoon Staff for over a year and has also been instrumental to DMOS operations, namely the Force Improvement Group and Combat Imagining and Documentation. Joining CID fresh out the gate in November of ‘22 he remained loyal to the DMOS and always ensured that quality was being produced by the Office, eventually leading to his rise to Team Leader of the Uniform Updating Team. Later in his career, he joined FIG where he rose to the rank of Drill Sergeant and has been instrumental in updating training procedures for KAT Medical and adjusting for updates to ACE.
The achievements and service of Staff Sergeant James Nicholas have brought great credit upon himself and the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit. For this, he should be awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
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Jan 5, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Combat Star (2nd Award) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Combat Star (2nd Award). Awarded: Sun, Jan 5, 2025 5:10 PM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Jan 5, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() European Campaign (ECM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the European Campaign (ECM). Awarded: Sun, Jan 5, 2025 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Jan 5, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Bronze Star (BSM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Bronze Star (BSM). Awarded: Sun, Jan 5, 2025 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() Attended all combat missions in Operation Northern Lights.
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Jan 5, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM). Awarded: Sun, Jan 5, 2025 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() SSG Nicholas doubled down on his dedication to the team by creating a tracker enabling the CID Team to better track awards, and requests completed. These actions prove his competence as a section leader as well as his overall commitment to streamlined information.
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Jan 5, 2025 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC). Awarded: Sun, Jan 5, 2025 3:11 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Dec 10, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-CID) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-CID). Awarded: Tue, Dec 10, 2024 7:52 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Dec 8, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document With Valor "V" Device
![]() Bronze Star (BSM) medal with Valor "V" Device. Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Bronze Star (BSM). Awarded: Sun, Dec 8, 2024 10:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() For gallantry in action during Mission Candyland, while serving as members of the Platoon Staff and 1st Squad. Positioned at Scorpion’s fire position on a mountainside, SFC Marsh, SSG Nicholas, and CPL Ohwo faced an imminent enemy advance. As they withdrew to the main city to establish a defensive line, their team was ambushed by three flanking enemy squads from the Western mountainside. Despite being heavily outnumbered and under intense enemy fire, their unwavering resolve turned the tide of battle.
When SSG Ivanov was critically wounded during the engagement, SSG Nicholas displayed extraordinary bravery and composure. Under relentless fire, he moved to Ivanov's exposed position, providing life-saving medical care while simultaneously coordinating suppressive fire with his Platoon Leadership. His actions shielded the Platoon Staff from further losses and enabled SFC Marsh and CPL Ohwo to regroup and engage the advancing enemies.
SFC Marsh and CPL Ohwo, demonstrating remarkable teamwork and tactical precision, consolidated their limited ammunition and mounted a determined counterattack. Overwhelmed yet resolute, they methodically neutralized all three flanking enemy squads in a grueling firefight that left them with only one and a half magazines between them.
The combined actions of SFC Marsh, SSG Nicholas, and CPL Ohwo were instrumental in repelling the enemy assault, safeguarding the integrity of the Platoon Staff, and preserving the unit’s ability to continue the mission. Their extraordinary valor, resourcefulness, and selfless dedication to their comrades reflect great credit upon themselves, their unit, and the United States Army.
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Dec 8, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document With Valor "V" Device
![]() Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) medal with Valor "V" Device. Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). Awarded: Sun, Dec 8, 2024 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() During mission Silent Night 1st Squad Medic went down to artillery fire. He had 400-500 avulsions across his body, While breaking contact in the Platoon Stryker, Platoon medics managed to save this soldier and bring him back to life. With their actions, they proved 2 things: 1 - they are where they should be and 2 - There are no hopeless situations if you are in the right place with the right people.
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Dec 8, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM). Awarded: Sun, Dec 8, 2024 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() 11BX (Drill Sergeant) - Despite his role as a Safety Officer during Airborne Class 24-03, Staff Sergeant Nicholas played an instrumental role in guiding the new Jumpmaster through the intricacies of the course. He took the time to demonstrate essential techniques and thoroughly explain the key steps required for a successful training experience. His dedication and expertise made him a vital asset to Airborne Class 24-03, showcasing his potential as a future Jump Master.
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Nov 4, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Mon, Nov 4, 2024 12:42 PM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Nov 3, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM). Awarded: Sun, Nov 3, 2024 8:00 AM Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
![]() (21Y - Uniform Updater) - The SSG has taken it upon himself to overhaul internal workflow documentation to make it easier to maintain, easier to track statistics but also future proofed it for expansion within the DMOS. His work behind the scenes even showcased everyone in the unit needing to have the signature placed or updated. His work to make internal workflow systems easier to maintain is noticed and appreciated. His dedication and service to the DMOS not only holds our team afloat, but is the bedrock foundation for the 21Y team.
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Oct 7, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM). Awarded: Mon, Oct 7, 2024 12:54 PM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Oct 7, 2024 | ![]() |
Award Document
![]() Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG) Sergeant First Class James Nicholas The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-FIG). Awarded: Mon, Oct 7, 2024 12:48 PM Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Aug 4, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal (NATO)
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Jul 8, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM)
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Jun 5, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the Army Achievement Medal (AAM)
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Jun 3, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-CID)
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Jun 3, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the Combat Medical Badge (CMB2)
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Jun 2, 2024 | ![]() |
Record Text
![]() Awarded the Overseas Service Bar
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Date
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Text
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Dec 8, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Santa's Delivery (Airborne) | |
Dec 7, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Mission: Operation Snow Strip (Pathfinder) | |
Dec 1, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Silent Night | |
Nov 17, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Cookie Fortress | |
Nov 10, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission SnowAngel | |
Nov 3, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Candyland | |
Oct 20, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Snowstorm | |
Oct 6, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Frostbite | |
Sep 22, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Stoneless Kingdom | |
Sep 15, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Benelux | |
Sep 1, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Kalmar Union | |
Aug 25, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Roman Empire | |
Aug 11, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Aztec | |
Aug 4, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Summer Siege | |
Jul 14, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission DrawBridge | |
Jul 7, 2024 | Operation Unified Dawn - Altis: (Joint Operation) | |
Jun 30, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Tower Heist | |
Jun 16, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Castle Breach | |
Jun 9, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission IPA | |
Jun 2, 2024 | Operation Northern Lights - Finland: Mission Dunkel | |
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Date
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Rank
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Type
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Mar 2, 2025 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
![]() Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of James Nicholas I do promote them to Sergeant First Class in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Sun, Mar 2, 2025 10:00 AM
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
Aug 4, 2024 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Staff Sergeant
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Aug 6, 2023 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Sergeant
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Mar 5, 2023 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Corporal
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Dec 4, 2022 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Specialist
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Nov 6, 2022 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Private First Class
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Sep 24, 2022 | ![]() |
Promotion |
Record Text
![]() Promoted to Private Second Class
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Date
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Unit
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Position
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Mar 2, 2025 | Retired | Retired |
Aug 29, 2024 | Alpha Company, First Platoon Headquarters | Platoon Medic |
Jun 7, 2023 | Alpha Company, First Platoon Headquarters | Platoon Medic |
Apr 19, 2023 | Alpha Company, First Platoon Headquarters | Assistant Platoon Medic |
Jan 12, 2023 | Alpha Company, First Platoon, Third Squad | Squad Medic |
Sep 20, 2022 | Alpha Company, First Platoon, First Squad | Fireteam Member |
Date
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Qualification
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Dec 1, 2024 | Pathfinder Qualified | |
Mar 22, 2024 | Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert | |
May 20, 2023 | Pathfinder Qualified | |
May 15, 2023 | Advanced Radio Communication Qualified | |
Apr 23, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Driver/Equipment Operator Qualified | |
Mar 25, 2023 | Warrior Leadership Qualified | |
Mar 18, 2023 | Airborne Qualified | |
Mar 18, 2023 | Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert | |
Jan 29, 2023 | Air Assault Qualified | |
Jan 8, 2023 | 68W Combat Medic Qualified | |
Nov 6, 2022 | Land Navigation Qualified | |
Oct 22, 2022 | Combat Lifesaver Qualified | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with AR (M249): Sustained Fire | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with Grenade (M67): Qualified | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with GL (M320): Qualified | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with AT4 (M136): Qualified | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with Pistol (M17): Expert | |
Sep 24, 2022 | Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert |