USS Nicholson (DD-52)

The second USS "Nicholson" (DD-52) was an "O'Brien"-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She was named in honor of the Nicholson family, five members of which were prominent in early American naval history: James Nicholson, the senior Continental Navy Captain; Samuel Nicholson, the first captain of USS "Constitution"; John Nicholson; William Nicholson; and James W. Nicholson.

"Nicholson" was laid down 8 September 1913 by William Cramp and Sons Shipyard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; launched 19 August 1914; sponsored by Mrs. Charles T. Taylor; and commissioned 30 April 1915, Lieutenant Commander A. E. Watson in command.

After shakedown in the North Atlantic, "Nicholson" operated in the Caribbean and along the east coast until the United States entered World War I. "Nicholson" sailed from New York 15 May 1917, arrived Queenstown, Ireland, 24 May, and began escorting convoys in the Irish Sea. Her aid to SS "J. L. Luckenbach" after the merchantman had been shelled by a U-boat enabled the damaged ship to rejoin the convoy and enter port safely.