William Jones Nicholson

William Jones Nicholson (January 16, 1856 – December 20, 1931) was a career officer in the United States Army. He attained the rank of brigadier general during World War I as commander of the 157th Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 79th Division. He was most notable for leading his brigade to victory during the September 1918 Battle of Montfaucon, part of the first phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, for which he received the Distinguished Service Cross.

A native of Washington, D.C., and the son of a career United States Navy officer, Nicholson was educated in Washington and in 1876 successfully applied for a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He served primarily with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, and advanced through the ranks to command the regiment's 1st Squadron, and later the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 5th Cavalry Regiment, and 11th Cavalry Regiment. Nicholson was a veteran of the American Indian Wars (including the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre), Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and Pancho Villa Expedition. He was temporarily promoted to brigadier general for World War I and commanded the 157th Infantry Brigade. Nicholson led his brigade during the capture of Montfaucon, and continued in command during subsequent fighting. After the war, he commanded the 152nd Depot Brigade, where he oversaw the demobilization and discharge of soldiers returning home after the Armistice.

Nicholson retired as a colonel in 1920 and resided in Washington, D.C. In 1927, he was restored to the rank of brigadier general on the Army's retired list. He died in Washington on December 20, 1931, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.