Cpl. Jerry W. Wickam's Sacrifice

Corporal Jerry W. Wickam served with Troop F during a reconnaissance-in-force mission southwest of Loc Ninh. During the operation, the lead element came under heavy fire from a well-concealed enemy bunker complex, including rocket, automatic weapon, and small arms fire.

Disregarding the danger, Cpl. Wickam leapt from his armored vehicle and assaulted an enemy bunker, throwing a grenade inside and killing two enemy soldiers. Entering the bunker with another soldier, they began removing the body of a Viet Cong combatant when Cpl. Wickam detected the sound of an enemy grenade being armed. He immediately warned his comrade and physically pushed him to safety, shielding him from the grenade's blast.

Later, upon locating a second enemy bunker, Cpl. Wickam braved intense enemy fire to assault the position, killing one enemy soldier and capturing another. The captured Viet Cong provided critical intelligence on enemy activity in the Loc Ninh area.

After an airstrike was called on the area, Cpl. Wickam led his men back to assess the damage. They were met with renewed enemy fire. Demonstrating extraordinary bravery, he charged the bunker directing the fire, allowing his men to seek cover. He threw a grenade into the position, killing two Viet Cong and destroying the bunker. Moments later, he was mortally wounded by enemy fire.

For his extraordinary heroism and self-sacrifice, Corporal Jerry W. Wickam was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.