William Nichols

William Nichols served as quartermaster aboard USS Brooklyn during the Battle of Mobile Bay, keeping to his duties while enemy fire damaged the ship and caused casualties around him.

Nichols, also recorded as Barzilla Nichols, was born in New York in 1837. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard Brooklyn. On 5 August 1864, during the fleet's passage into Mobile Bay and the battle with Confederate forts and vessels, Nichols performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the prolonged engagement.

Medal of Honor Citation (condensed): Aboard USS Brooklyn at Mobile Bay, Nichols performed his duties with skill and courage throughout the action despite heavy enemy fire, ship damage, and casualties.

Nichols died at Alexandria, Minnesota, on 13 November 1891 and was buried in Kinkhead Cemetery.

The source rack used the Army campaign entry. His proposed rack is the Medal of Honor and the Navy Civil War Campaign Medal, matching his service branch. No ribbon device is supported.