Arthur A. Nicholas of Somerville passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2003 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Brockton. He was 77 years of age.
Mr. Nicholas was a graduate of Somerville High School, Boston Feener Technical Drafting School, and Northeastern University School of Engineering.
He was employed by the United States Post Office and was a retired engineer of the Tactical Division of Raytheon. Mr. Nicholas was a World War II Veteran who, at age 19, completed six successful bombing missions as a nose gunner with the 8th Air Force 351st Bombing Group (BG) and the 508th Bombing Squad (BS). After the Dresden raid his B17 was hit by flak at Egmond on the Dutch Coast. The plane went into a spin with smoke pouring from the cockpit, but the crew bailed out safely, and then was captured upon landing. There were eight Prisoners of War (P.O.W.) and one Killed in Action (K.I.A.). Mr. Nicholas was a P.O.W. from February 14, 1945 until April 28, 1945. He was awarded air medals and the Purple Heart.
Arthur was survived by a brother, John Nicholas of Stoneham, MA, a sister, Mary Nicholas Bohigian of Clearwater, FL, and extended family members.
The Family suggests donations be sent to the Veteran’s Administration West Roxbury Hospital and the Veteran’s Administration Brockton Nursing Home.
Interment will be held at the Bourne National Cemetery in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.