Jerry Wayne Wickam
Jerry Wayne Wickam (January 19, 1942 – January 6, 1968) was a United States Army corporal and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, and joined the Army in 1966 from Chicago. He served in Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.
On January 6, 1968, near Loc Ninh, Wickam’s unit came under heavy fire from a hidden enemy bunker complex during a reconnaissance mission. He jumped from his vehicle and attacked one bunker, throwing a grenade and killing two enemies. He moved into the bunker to help a wounded comrade and, after detecting a grenade being prepared, warned his teammate and shunted him to safety. When a second bunker was found, Wickam ran through the fire to fire on it, killing another foe, and he captured a Viet Cong prisoner who later provided important information. After the air strike, Wickam led his men back to assess the damage, but they were attacked again. He charged the enemy position, allowing his men to take cover, and threw a grenade into the bunker, killing two more enemies and destroying the position. Wickam was mortally wounded soon after.
He was 25 years old and is buried at Lightsville Cemetery in Leaf River, Illinois. For his conspicuous gallantry, Wickam received the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart. His legacy lives on in the many memorials and facilities named in his honor at military installations and in his hometown.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 19:14 (CET).