Nick Null was born on March 30, 1981, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 20, 2000, and completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in November 2000. Null next attended Gunner's Mate A School at Great Lakes from December 2000 to May 2001, and then served with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 6 at Panama City, Florida, from May 2001 to September 2003. During this time he participated in combat operations in Iraq during the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. Petty Officer Null next attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal training from September 2003 to September 2004, followed by service with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2 at Virginia Beach, Virginia, from September 2004 to January 2009. During this time he again deployed to Iraq from January to May 2006, January to July 2007, and August to December 2008. He also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan from February to July 2005, and January to June 2006, concurrently with one of his deployments to Iraq. His final assignment was with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Virginia, from January 2009 until he was killed in the crash of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter "Extortion 17" in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. Nick Null was buried at Sunset Memory Gardens in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

His 2nd Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 17 March 2010. On this date, Petty Officer First Class Null was part of a ground force element during a daring nighttime raid against a heavily armed high value target. While attempting to engage a barricaded fighter hidden inside the target building, one of Petty Officer First Class Null's teammates was struck and mortally wounded by enemy fire causing him to fall directly in front of the barricaded enemy position. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer First Class Null fought his way into the compound, exchanging fire with the enemy fighter while maneuvering to his wounded teammate. Within point blank range of the barricaded enemy, he continued to provide cover fire while another teammate prepared to help him move their wounded comrade. Courageously exposing himself to the enemy line-of-fire, he then pulled his wounded teammate across the open courtyard to a position behind cover where the combat medic was able to render immediate medical treatment. His heroic bravery under intense enemy fire was an inspiration to all who serve with him. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer First Class Null reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.