Recognizing that close air support would not arrive in time to prevent the rangers' annihilation, Capt. Wilbanks made the selfless decision to assume a close-support role.
Upon locating a second enemy bunker, Cpl. Wickam braved intense enemy fire to assault the position, killing one enemy soldier and capturing another.
Despite severe injuries, including the loss of his left arm and wounds to his right arm, chest, and left leg, he staggered back to his gun-well and resumed firing, providing the only effective cover against the enemy.
Without hesitation, he charged into the tall grass, eliminating one enemy soldier and forcing eleven others to retreat.
When the troops momentarily pulled back to prepare for a second assault, Chaplain Watters exposed himself to both friendly and enemy fire to rescue two wounded soldiers caught between the lines.
Just as he was about to throw a hand grenade into the bunker to neutralize the threat, an enemy grenade landed directly within his group’s position.