Edward T. Bickert, Jr.
Awards and CitationsSilver Star
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Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal [then Private First Class] Edward T. Bickert, Jr. (MCSN: 2279268), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with the Second Combined Action Group, Third Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 February 1968, Lance Corporal Bickert was a member of a reaction force sent to relieve a Marine patrol under attack by a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force near the village of Dong Phu (1). Approaching the designated area, his unit came under enemy small arms and mortar fire from a tree line fifty meters to his front. While other members of the reaction force returned fire, Lance Corporal Bickert quickly maneuvered to the tree line where he encountered several North Vietnamese Army soldiers in a trench. Unhesitatingly launching an aggressive assault against the enemy, he disregarded his own safety and fearlessly jumped into the trench, killing five enemy soldiers. As he was confiscating weapons and equipment, he observed that the right flank of the reaction force had sustained several casualties and was pinned down by an enemy machine gun. Boldly maneuvering along the fire-swept trench line to approximately fifty meters of the weapon emplacement, Lance Corporal Bickert delivered accurate fire from his Light Anti-tank Assault Weapon which silenced the machine gun. His steadfast determination and courageous actions in the face of intense enemy fire were instrumental in repulsing the attackers and inspired all those who observed him. By his aggressive fighting spirit, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Bickert contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 7-Feb-68
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 2d Combined Action Group
Regiment: 3d Marine Amphibious Force
