As director of the Defense Mapping Agency from July 1979 to June 1981, Major General Nicholson III expanded the digital geographic data production for the Strategic Air Command/Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff requirements to respond to the Joint Strategic Operational Plan, or JSOP, for defense of the nation during the Cold War.

Prior to leading DMA, Maj. Gen. Nicholson flew two hundred combat missions in Vietnam, including a mission in October 1952, when he was shot down, evaded enemy capture and returned to the 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing to complete his combat tour of duty. In September 1975 he assumed duty as commandant of the Air Command and Staff College. After three years he assumed duty as vice commander, Fifteenth Air Force.