William Nichols

William Nichols (c. 1837 – date of death unknown) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Born in about 1837 in New York City, Nichols was still living in the state of New York when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a quartermaster on the . At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he "fought his gun with skill and courage" despite heavy fire. For this action, he was awarded the Medal of Honor four months later, on December 31, 1864.