Nicky Daniel Bacon: A Life of Courage and Service

Nicky Daniel Bacon (November 25, 1945 – July 17, 2010) was a United States Army first sergeant with the Americal Division who served valiantly during the Vietnam War.

In 1963, at age 17, Bacon forged his mother's signature to enlist in the Arizona National Guard. The following year, he joined the U.S. Army and completed basic training at Fort Ord, California. He was then stationed in Worms, Germany. Reflecting on his military service, Bacon later said, "I was never prouder, I was never in better shape, I was never more sure that I stood for something in my life than I was when I wore the uniform."

Bacon's first tour in Vietnam began in 1966, during which he was wounded three times. On his initial mission, the helicopter he was aboard collided with another, killing everyone onboard except Bacon and one other soldier. Despite this harrowing start, Bacon volunteered for a second tour from 1968 to 1969.

During his second tour, Bacon served as a staff sergeant with Company B, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division. On August 26, 1968, west of Tam Kỳ, his squad came under intense enemy fire. Bacon destroyed multiple enemy positions with hand grenades and assumed command after his platoon leader was wounded.

He led his platoon in eliminating additional enemy positions and took command of a second platoon when its leader was incapacitated. While directing fire from atop a tank during the evacuation of wounded soldiers, Bacon remained exposed to enemy fire. His gear was riddled with bullets and shrapnel, but he continued to lead. He was personally credited with killing four enemy soldiers and destroying an antitank gun.

For his extraordinary bravery, Bacon was awarded the Medal of Honor, presented by President Richard Nixon in a 1969 White House ceremony. His decorations also included the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts, among others.

Bacon requested a third tour in Vietnam but was denied. Instead, he served as a recruiter at Fort Hood, Texas, worked in training commands, and was stationed in Germany. He retired in 1984 as a first sergeant after declining orders to Korea, choosing to focus on his young family instead.

Reflecting on his career, Bacon remarked, "When I was young, it was fun traveling and having new adventures... But as you get older, you realize wars are fought by young men."