On board the U.S.S. Utah, Nickerson showed extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21 April 1914.
Presented by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on the deck of the USS Florida at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.
Additional information on his action comes from U.S. Navy General Order No. 101, dated June 15, 1914: Nickerson "was slightly wounded three times during the afternoon of April 21, and after first-aid bandages had been applied, he took charge of a squad that built an advanced barricade under fire. He then occupied a dangerous position at the corner of Zaragoza and San Miguel Streets. Here he was again wounded three times, two shots shattering his left leg above and below the knee. He was then carried to the rear and has since had his leg amputated close to the hip. His grit after having been wounded three times, and the courage he displayed when his later wounds made it necessary to carry him to the rear, was an inspiration to all who saw him."