Jerry Wayne Wickham-Lightsville, IL
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Don.Morfe
N 42° 08.646 W 089° 24.540
16T E 300937 N 4668584
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam on January 6, 1968. He was killed in action. He is buried in Lightsville, Cemetery, Lightsville IL.
Waymark Code: WMXTVF
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 02/26/2018
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member wayfrog
Views: 0

He was born on January 19, 1942 in Leaf River, IL and died on January 6, 1968 in Vietnam. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *WICKAM, JERRY WAYNE
• Rank and Organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
• Place and Date: Near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, 6 January 1968
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 with Troop F. Troop F was conducting a reconnaissance in force mission southwest of Loc Ninh when the lead element of the friendly force was subjected to a heavy barrage of rocket, automatic weapons, and small arms fire from a well concealed enemy bunker complex. Disregarding the intense fire, Cpl. Wickam leaped from his armored vehicle and assaulted one of the enemy bunkers and threw a grenade into it, killing 2 enemy soldiers. He moved into the bunker, and with the aid of another soldier, began to remove the body of one Viet Cong when he detected the sound of an enemy grenade being charged. Cpl. Wickam warned his comrade and physically pushed him away from the grenade thus protecting him from the force of the blast. When a second Viet Cong bunker was discovered, he ran through a hail of enemy fire to deliver deadly fire into the bunker, killing one enemy soldier. He also captured 1 Viet Cong who later provided valuable information on enemy activity in the Loc Ninh area. After the patrol withdrew and an air strike was conducted, Cpl. Wickam led his men back to evaluate the success of the strike. They were immediately attacked again by enemy fire. Without hesitation, he charged the bunker from which the fire was being directed, enabling the remainder of his men to seek cover. He threw a grenade inside of the enemy's position killing 2 Viet Cong and destroying the bunker. Moments later he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. Cpl. Wickam's extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Armed Service: Army

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Don.Morfe visited Jerry Wayne Wickham-Lightsville, IL 12/16/2021 Don.Morfe visited it