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Sgt Lynn Rutt
to remember
Marine LtGen Herman Nickerson Jr.
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Contact Info
Last Address Belfast. Maine
Date of Passing Dec 27, 2000
Location of Interment Maplewood Cemetery - Lincolnville, Maine
Wall/Plot Coordinates Lot 53 Stone 5
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Other Comments:
NICKERSON, HERMAN, JR. Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald Nickerson, Jr. (0-5128), Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Yong-gu, Korea, on 31 May 1951. Assigned the mission of securing a strategically important objective, Colonel Nickerson, displaying rare tactical ingenuity and inspirational leadership, skillfully directed the operations of his regiment. Learning that two of his battalions were heavily engaged and that the enemy was grouping for a counterattack, Colonel Nickerson unhesitatingly left the comparative safety of his command post and fearlessly moved forward over rugged mountainous terrain, under intense enemy mortar and artillery fire, to the most forward element of his command. Unmindful of his personal safety, he advanced to an exposed vantage point under heavy enemy fire and, through his brilliant guidance, his troops repulsed the ferocious counterattack, taking the offensive and overwhelming the fanatical enemy to secure the high ground dominating the vital road junction of Yong-gu. The outstanding devotion to duty and extraordinary heroism displayed by Colonel Nickerson in this action reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 207 (August 13, 1951) Born: July 30, 1913 at Boston, Massachusetts Home Town: Boston, Massachusetts
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase III Campaign (1967-68)
From Month/Year
June / 1967
To Month/Year
January / 1968
Description This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.