Raised in Hialeah, Florida, Nichols enlisted in the United States Army and served as a combat medic during the Korean War.

Originally he flew the North American FJ-4 Fury but shortly thereafter made the transition to the more advanced Vought F-8 Crusader, the last U.S. fighter designed with guns as its primary weapons system.

On his first combat deployment, assigned to VF-191, Nichols was wingman to LCDR Michael Estocin, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for actions in April 1967.

Nichols shoot down of the attacking Mig Fighter saved the life of the reconnaissance pilot and was the final aerial victory to be won with guns in Naval history.

On Yankee Station was well received in military aviation circles, and was added to the Air Force and Marine Corps professional reading lists.