Medal of Honor: Jerry Wayne Wickam – Vietnam War – Loc Ninh – January 1968

Name: Jerry Wayne Wickam
Rank: Corporal
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Place: Near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Chicago, Illinois
Born: Rockford, Illinois

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Summary of Action

On 6 January 1968, Corporal Jerry Wayne Wickam was serving with Troop F during a reconnaissance-in-force mission southwest of Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, when his unit was struck by a devastating barrage of rocket, automatic weapons, and small-arms fire from a concealed enemy bunker complex.

Without hesitation and disregarding the intense fire, Corporal Wickam leaped from his armored vehicle and assaulted the first enemy bunker, throwing a grenade that killed two enemy soldiers. Entering the bunker, he and another soldier began clearing it when Corporal Wickam heard the unmistakable sound of an enemy grenade being armed. Instantly, he warned his comrade and physically shoved him clear, absorbing the danger himself and saving his fellow soldier from the blast.

Continuing the fight, Corporal Wickam charged a second bunker through a hail of fire, killing another enemy soldier and capturing a Viet Cong combatant who later provided valuable intelligence. After an air strike was called in and the patrol withdrew, Corporal Wickam led his men back to assess the damage. They were immediately engaged again by enemy fire.

Once more, Corporal Wickam reacted without regard for his own safety. He charged the firing bunker, drawing enemy fire so his comrades could take cover. He hurled a grenade into the position, killing two more enemy soldiers and destroying the bunker. Moments later, Corporal Wickam was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Through repeated acts of fearless aggression and self-sacrifice, Corporal Jerry Wayne Wickam saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and shattered enemy resistance. He gave his life in the highest tradition of military service.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Cpl. Wickam distinguished himself while serving with Troop F. Troop F was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission southwest of Loc Ninh when the lead element of the friendly force was subjected to a heavy barrage of rocket, automatic weapons, and small-arms fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex.

Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Wickam leaped from his armored vehicle and assaulted one of the enemy bunkers and threw a grenade into it, killing two enemy soldiers. He moved into the bunker and, with the aid of another soldier, began to remove the body of one Viet Cong when he detected the sound of an enemy grenade being charged. Cpl. Wickam warned his comrade and physically pushed him away from the grenade, thus protecting him from the force of the blast.

When a second Viet Cong bunker was discovered, he ran through a hail of enemy fire to deliver deadly fire into the bunker, killing one enemy soldier. He also captured one Viet Cong who later provided valuable information on enemy activity in the Loc Ninh area. After the patrol withdrew and an air strike was conducted, Cpl. Wickam led his men back to evaluate the success of the strike. They were immediately attacked again by enemy fire.

Without hesitation, he charged the bunker from which the fire was being directed, enabling the remainder of his men to seek cover. He threw a grenade inside the enemy position, killing two Viet Cong and destroying the bunker. Moments later he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

Cpl. Wickam’s extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.