William J. Wickward

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William J. Wickward (RA51245438), Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Platoon Sergeant Wickward distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 19 November 1966 while serving as platoon sergeant of a reconnaissance platoon on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. While leading his platoon toward a known enemy bunker complex, Sergeant Wickward was notified that a unit on his flank was heavily engaged by a large Viet Cong force. He quickly maneuvered to support the engaged platoon, but his unit came under heavy attack from a well entrenched enemy force. Pinned down by deadly sniper fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon, he exposed himself time after time to return the fire, personally killing seven insurgents. After deploying his men in a perimeter, he moved through the withering fire to reach the wounded outside the perimeter. Completely ignoring his own safety, he moved four casualties to safety under a barrage of automatic weapons and machine gun fire. He continued to expose himself to redistribute ammunition and direct the fires of his men despite the mounting intensity of the attack. When the insurgents were finally defeated, he led his men to reinforce the other platoon and led both to safety. Platoon Sergeant Wickward’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5114 (October 5, 1967)