Medal of Honor: Jerry W. Wickam – Vietnam War, January 6, 1968

Jerry Wayne Wickam
Corporal, U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Date of Action: January 6, 1968
Location: Southwest of Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action:
Corporal Jerry Wickam’s final mission was a thunderous display of courage under fire—an armored cavalryman who refused to let fear dictate his fate or that of his fellow soldiers.

While conducting a reconnaissance-in-force southwest of Loc Ninh, his unit was ambushed by a fierce and entrenched Viet Cong force. As rockets and automatic weapons erupted from a concealed bunker complex, Wickam leapt from the relative safety of his vehicle and charged a bunker head-on. He lobbed a grenade into the enemy position, killing two insurgents, then entered the structure alongside another soldier.

As they began clearing the bunker, Wickam heard the telltale click of an enemy grenade being armed. In an instant, he shouted a warning and shoved his comrade clear—absorbing the blast with his own body to save another man’s life.

But his fight wasn’t finished.

Rallying, wounded and unshaken, Wickam led an assault on a second enemy bunker under withering fire. He killed one enemy soldier, captured another, and extracted critical intelligence on enemy plans. When the area was bombed by friendly airstrikes, Wickam again led his men forward to assess the damage. As they advanced, they came under renewed attack.

Charging alone into the heart of the enemy fire, Wickam hurled a grenade into a bunker, eliminating two Viet Cong and silencing their guns. Moments later, he was struck down—killed by enemy fire in the act of protecting his men.

Cpl. Wickam didn’t just lead by example—he led by sacrifice.

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 as a rifleman with Troop F, during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in an area southwest of Loc Ninh.

During the operation, the lead element of the troop came under intense fire from a well-fortified enemy bunker complex. Cpl. Wickam, with complete disregard for his own safety, leaped from his armored vehicle and assaulted an enemy bunker, throwing a grenade into it and killing 2 enemy soldiers.

Cpl. Wickam and another soldier entered the bunker to remove the body of a Viet Cong soldier. During this action, Cpl. Wickam heard the unmistakable sound of an enemy grenade being armed. He immediately warned his comrade and pushed him to safety, shielding him from the blast and saving his life.

Later in the day, Cpl. Wickam located another enemy bunker and, again ignoring the hail of enemy fire, assaulted the position, killing one enemy soldier and capturing another, who later provided critical intelligence.

After friendly air strikes were called on the area, Cpl. Wickam led a squad forward to assess the damage and came under renewed fire. Demonstrating outstanding courage and devotion to his men, he assaulted the enemy bunker directing the fire, throwing a grenade that killed 2 Viet Cong and destroyed the position. He was mortally wounded moments later.

Cpl. Wickam’s extraordinary heroism, selfless conduct, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.