*** Welcome to piglix ***

Donald Nichols (spy)

Donald Nichols
Born (1923-02-18)18 February 1923
Hackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
Died 2 June 1992(1992-06-02) (aged 69)
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch  United States Air Force
Rank Major
Commands held 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron
Battles/wars World War II
Korean War
Awards Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star

Donald Nichols (18 February 1923 – 2 June 1992) was a United States Air Force officer who worked in military intelligence. He founded and commanded the U.S. Air Force's first active military intelligence unit, the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron (6004th AISS), which he founded in 1950 during the Korean War. Although he began his military career in the motor pool, he eventually sparked the infiltration of espionage teams behind communist lines, as well as personally gathering the first data on the communist MiG-15 fighter. A trusted and reliable intelligence officer who had predicted the start date of the Korean War, he enjoyed 24-hour access to South Korean President Syngman Rhee and his own commanding officer, U.S. Air Force General Earle Partridge. Under his leadership, the 6004th AISS served as the principal source of intelligence for Far East Air Force during the fighting.

Nichols retired from the military in 1962. After his death in 1992, reports of his exploits were declassified. He was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame in 1995.

Nichols was born on 18 February 1923 to Walter Isaac and Myra Stewart Nichols at 105 Main Street, Hackensack, New Jersey. He was the youngest of four sons. Nichols only completed elementary school before joining the military. He grew up poor in a welfare family, and occasionally had to resort to theft of neighbors' farm equipment to survive.

Nichols served in Burma and China early in his military career. He was a sergeant assigned to the motor pool before being detailed to Sub-detachment K, 607th Counter Intelligence Corps in South Korea in 1946. As a master sergeant, he rose to command the unit. He spoke Korean fluently. Nichols was burly in build, casual in dress, often out of uniform, and seldom displayed his rank. He was noted for his gruffness. He formed an extensive net of 600 plus civilian spies throughout Korea, and established a relationship with South Korean President Syngman Rhee that allowed 24-hour access. In time, Rhee entrusted Nichols with South Korean airmen and coast guardsmen under his command. In return, there was an assassination attempt on him by communists in 1948. Nichols survived; the would-be assassins did not.


...
Wikipedia

...