John A. Wickham Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John A. Wickham
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Wickham in August 1988
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| Born | June 25, 1928 Dobbs Ferry, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 2024 (aged 95) Oro Valley, Arizona, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1950–1987 |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Chief of Staff of the United States Army Eighth Army United States Forces Korea United Nations Command 101st Airborne Division 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Defense Distinguished Service Medal (4) Army Distinguished Service Medal (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (4) Bronze Star Medal |
John Adams Wickham Jr. (born June 25, 1928 – died May 11, 2024) was an important U.S. Army general. He was the top leader of the U.S. Army, called the United States Army Chief of Staff, from 1983 to 1987.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Wickham Jr. was born on June 25, 1928, in Dobbs Ferry, New York. He went to the United States Military Academy (also known as West Point) and finished in 1950. Later, he even taught social sciences there from 1956 to 1960.
He also studied a lot, earning master's degrees in economics and government from Harvard University. He attended special colleges for military leaders, like the National War College.
Military Career Highlights
After graduating, Wickham became a second lieutenant. He was sent to serve with army groups in West Berlin. He led small groups of soldiers and helped commanders. He also worked as an aide, helping senior officers in different army divisions.
Wickham served as an operations officer in South Korea. He also worked closely with the top leader of the U.S. Army, General Harold Johnson.
Serving in Vietnam
During the Vietnam War, Wickham led a battalion of soldiers in South Vietnam. He was seriously hurt by an explosion during a battle. Even though he was hit many times by enemy fire, he kept leading his soldiers from a foxhole. For his brave actions, he received the Silver Star medal. He spent over a year recovering in the hospital.
After recovering, he commanded a brigade of soldiers in West Germany. He later returned to South Vietnam to help manage military operations.
Leading Major Commands
Wickham then commanded the 101st Airborne Division, a famous group of soldiers. He also worked as a director for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who are top military advisors. As a four-star general, he became the Commander in Chief of the United Nations Command and the United States Forces Korea and Eighth Army in South Korea.
In 1979, Wickham helped calm things down in South Korea after the president was assassinated. He even wrote a book called Korea on the Brink about that difficult time. He also advised two Secretaries of Defense, James R. Schlesinger and Donald Rumsfeld.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan chose Wickham to be the Chief of Staff of the United States Army. He was the last general from the Korean War era to hold this very important position.
Role in South Korean Events
After a military leader named Chun Doo-hwan took control of South Korea in 1979, many people protested for democracy. These protests grew, especially in the city of Gwangju. The military responded with force, and violence increased.
General Wickham received a request to move a South Korean army division to Gwangju. After talking with U.S. officials, he approved the transfer. This division was then used to help take back the city, which led to many civilian deaths. Some people in Korea believe his approval played a part in the tragic events.
Life After the Army
Wickham retired from the U.S. Army in 1987 after 37 years of service. He received many awards for his bravery and leadership. These included two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for his injuries. He also received many other U.S. and foreign medals, including South Korea's highest military award.
Army Times magazine named him one of the ten leaders who most changed the U.S. Army. In 2005, he received a special award from the United States Military Academy.
After his military career, Wickham continued to serve his community. He was the Town Council President in Sun City, Arizona and an elder at a church. He also worked for several companies and served on important policy boards. He was involved with the United Way charity and was a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He also spoke about military and foreign affairs on a radio show in Arizona.
General Colin Powell, another famous general, wrote in his book that Wickham was "every inch a Soldier."
John Wickham Jr. passed away on May 11, 2024, in Oro Valley, Arizona, at the age of 95.
Awards and Decorations
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal |
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Silver Star with oak leaf cluster |
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Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters |
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Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device |
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Meritorious Service Medal |
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Air Medal (10 awards) |
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Army Commendation Medal |
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Purple Heart |
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Valorous Unit Award |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Vietnam Service Medal with eight Service stars |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Army Overseas Service Ribbon with bronze award numeral 2 |
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Republic of Korea Taeguk Medal |
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National Order of Vietnam Knight's degree |
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Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation (two awards) |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
Images for kids
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Expert Infantryman Badge
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Parachutist Badge
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Air Assault Badge
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge
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Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge
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United States Army Staff Identification Badge
