MOH

Medal of Honor: Nicky D. Bacon – Vietnam War, August 26, 1968

On his initial mission, the helicopter he was aboard collided with another, killing everyone onboard except Bacon and one other soldier.

August 26, 2024

Nicky Daniel Bacon
Staff Sergeant (later First Sergeant), U.S. Army
Conflict: Vietnam War
Unit: Company B, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division
Date of Action: August 26, 1968
Location: West of Tam Kỳ, Republic of Vietnam


Summary of Action:
Nicky Bacon had already survived three wounds, a helicopter collision, and the raw chaos of Vietnam’s front lines—but nothing would test his mettle like what came on August 26, 1968.

That day, west of Tam Kỳ, Staff Sergeant Bacon’s platoon was ambushed by a well-fortified North Vietnamese force. With bullets screaming overhead and soldiers falling around him, Bacon sprang into action—not to survive, but to lead.

When his platoon commander was wounded, Bacon seized command and led a direct assault on enemy bunkers, hurling grenades into each one and clearing them with rifle fire. As he coordinated the movement of his men under relentless fire, another platoon leader fell. Bacon took charge of that platoon too—doubling his burden, but not his hesitation.

He climbed onto an exposed tank to direct suppressive fire for the evacuation of wounded soldiers. Enemy rounds tore through his gear and shrapnel peppered him, but he refused to come down. He stayed on that tank until the last man was safe.

In the midst of it all, Bacon personally destroyed an antitank gun, eliminated four enemy soldiers, and rallied two platoons in the face of chaos. His courage turned the tide of battle. His leadership saved lives.

When it was over, his uniform was torn. His body was battered. But his men were alive—and the enemy was broken.

Nicky Bacon was a soldier's soldier. He wasn’t just fearless. He was relentlessly brave. The kind of man who kept charging forward long after others would have dropped their rifles and prayed.


Medal of Honor Citation:
*"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Staff Sergeant Bacon distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader during an operation west of Tam Kỳ, Republic of Vietnam.

When the platoon was pinned down by enemy fire and the platoon leader was seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Bacon took command. Maneuvering his men and directing their fire, he destroyed several enemy positions using grenades and rifle fire.

As the platoon advanced, he noticed the leader of a second platoon had also been wounded. Without hesitation, Staff Sergeant Bacon assumed command of that unit as well. Under his leadership, the two platoons eliminated additional enemy emplacements.

During the evacuation of the wounded, he mounted a tank in full view of the enemy and directed fire until all were extracted safely. He then returned to lead his unit in completing the mission. His actions resulted in the destruction of an antitank weapon and the deaths of at least four enemy soldiers.

Staff Sergeant Bacon's extraordinary heroism, leadership, and indomitable courage reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."*