8/6/2011
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EWS/SW/AW/FPJ) Nicholas H. Null was born March 30, 1981 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He attended Parkersburg High School and after graduation he attended West Virginia University in his home town. Chief Null completed Navy Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois on December 1, 2000. After a tour at EOD Mobile Unit TWO in Virginia Beach he reported to Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, graduating as a Basic EOD Technician on September 26, 2004. Most recently, he was assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) in Dam Neck Annex, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. This duty station is noteworthy due to the rare opportunity, difficult selection process, and arduous training pipeline in order to be accepted as an EOD Operator. Deployments included many months overseas directly supporting the Global War on Terrorism. He was present in 2002 during the initial invasion of Iraq where he deployed with EOD Mobile Unit TWO as an EOD Assistant to Port Al Shuaibah. Additionally, he deployed numerous times to Iraq and Afghanistan with EOD Mobile Unit TWO as an EOD Team Leader disarming IED’s. At NSWDG he performed direct action assaults with TACDEVRON THREE.
EODC Null was highly decorated with numerous awards including two Bronze Star Medals with “V” Device, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with “V” Devices, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (one with “V” Device), two Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citation, Afghanistan Campaign Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medals, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.
EODC Nicholas Null is survived by his loving wife Tanya; sons Hunter, Brett, and Chase; parents Timothy Null and Tracy Kendal; sister Ashley Sanders; and brother Brandon Null.
Thank you for your service and bravery. America has always needed men like you to go where the battle is hottest. You are the tip of America’s spear. Condolences to Chief Petty Officer Null’s family and Seal (EOD) Community.