Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 21st Infantry, 4th Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On August 26, 1968, Staff Sergeant Bacon was in command of a squad of the 1st platoon Company B, 4th Battalion in an operation west of Tam Ky in Vietnam. During this action he destroyed several enemy positions with hand grenades. When his platoon leader was wounded, Bacon led the platoon to destroy remaining enemy positions. He also took command of a second unit, the 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, when its leader was killed and rallied both platoons against the enemy. Providing cover for evacuation of wounded, Staff Sergeant Bacon climbed a tank to fire at the enemy, a move that exposed himself to enemy fire. He was credited with killing at least 4 enemy soldiers, destroying an anti-tank gun which contributed to the complete success of the mission. For conspicuous gallantry in the face of enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon in December 1969. After a 21-year career in the US Army, he retired as First Sergeant in 1984 and served as director of the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs from 1993 to 2005. His other decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with combat "V", Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He died of cancer at age 64.
Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the 21st Infantry, 4th Battalion, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On August 26, 1968, Staff Sergeant Bacon was in command of a squad of the 1st platoon Company B, 4th Battalion in an operation west of Tam Ky in Vietnam. During this action he destroyed several enemy positions with hand grenades. When his platoon leader was wounded, Bacon led the platoon to destroy remaining enemy positions. He also took command of a second unit, the 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, when its leader was killed and rallied both platoons against the enemy. Providing cover for evacuation of wounded, Staff Sergeant Bacon climbed a tank to fire at the enemy, a move that exposed himself to enemy fire. He was credited with killing at least 4 enemy soldiers, destroying an anti-tank gun which contributed to the complete success of the mission. For conspicuous gallantry in the face of enemy, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon in December 1969. After a 21-year career in the US Army, he retired as First Sergeant in 1984 and served as director of the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs from 1993 to 2005. His other decorations included the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with combat "V", Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He died of cancer at age 64.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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