Jerry Wayne Wickam
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Corporal Jerry Wayne Wickam (19 January 1942 - 6 January 1968) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Vietnam War.

Jerry Wayne Wickam was born on 19 January 1942 in Rockford, IL. He joined the Army from Chicago, IL. On 6 January 1968, Wickam was serving as a Corporal in Troop F of 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On that day near Loc Ninh in the Republic of Vietnam, Wickam single-handedly attacked several enemy bunkers before being fatally wounded. For his heroic actions he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

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 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 was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Jerry Wayne Wickam is inscribed on Panel 33E - Line 62.

Death and Burial

Corporal Jerry Wayne Wickam was killed in action on 6 January 1968. He is buried at Lightsville Cemetery in Leaf River, IL.