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On October 6, 1947, Kenneth and Jessie (Nichols) Kretsinger became the parents to their last child, a son, Donald M. Kretsinger. Kenneth predeceased his son, then seven months old, in an automobile accident just outside Leaf River on May 12, 1948. Surviving Donnie are his mother, six brothers: Millard (Alaska); Robert, Richard, Wayne (Leaf River); Kenneth G. (Egan); Merritt (Rockford); and two sisters: Kathleen Zellers (Leaf River) and Kay McGill (Polo). Donnie is remembered by his family and friends as a typical American boy, loving, kind, and energetic. Shortly after his graduation from Leaf River High School in May 1966, he announced that he had joined the Marine Corps. During his training at Camp Pendleton, California, Donnie experienced |
pride in his achievements and as a result, he gave the Marines his best. He graduated from Basc Training as an expert marksman with the 45 caliber pistol and the M-16 rifle. After Boot Camp, Donnie received I.T.R and B.I.S. advanced infantry training which consisted of learning skills in military weapons and basic chemical warfare. Donnie, along with two other Marines, received honorary membership to the Marines 300 Club (The highest honor from Boot Camp) for making 400 points (100 over the required 300) in physical fitness. Donnie volunteered for duty in Vietnam. His oldest brother, Millard, an Air Force career man with a family, was due for tour duty in Vietnam. Donnie notified Millard of his decision, relieving Millard of his obligation-- an unselfish act of love for a brother he hardly knew. While home on furlough, Donnie spent his last Thanksgiving with his family. He flew back to California where on January 5, 1967, Donnie embarked on the U.S.S. Walker to Vietnam. After six months in Nam, Donnie lost his rest and relaxation furlough due to illness which required hospitalization for two weeks. More fighting awaited him when he returned to the field. On September 4th, 1967, 195 brave men in M. Company marched into fierce battle. Only 19 men in the first platoon with 73 men in the entire company remained. Donnie received his first Purple Heart when shrapnel hit his leg, and his hands were burned from Napalm. He refused to leave. His letters shared his thoughts: "And if the good Lord is with me, I'll make it because the only way I'll go down is fighting." On September 21st, 1967, Donnie received a one week R & R. On the 28th, Donnie returned to the field with a new rank of Corporal and a new responsibity-- that of Squadron Leader of the 3rd Squad with three fire teams to lead. After that, his few letters counted the days until January 1968 when he would be home. Donnie was killed in action on November 8, 1967 in Quang Nam, Providence of South Vietnam. |
Jerry Wayne Wickam, as he appeared in the Army portrait. |
Jerry Wayne Wickam, born January 19, 1942, was killed in action while fighting in Vietnam near the Cambodian border on January 6th, 1968. Son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lee and Janet (Rowe) Wickam, he was the second eldest of four brothers; Tom, Dan, and Gregory Wickam. |
Jerry Graduated from Leaf River High School in 1960. On August 11th, 1962, he married Suzanne Baker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emerson and Alma (Hartje) Baker. They made their home in Leaf River until Jerry was inducted into the army in September 1966. On September 4th 1967, a son Michael Justin Wickam was born, just a month after his father left for Vietnam. Upon induction into the armed services Jerry was at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for his basic training. Upon his gradution there, he had the honor of ranking second highest in his entire unit as "Best All-Around Soldier at Fort Campbell." Advanced training at Fort Knox, Kentucky prepared him for overseas duty. It was his lot to go to Germany in February, 1967, where he became a part of the Black Berets and the 68th Division stationed near Baumholder. After four months of service here, he applied for and was granted permission to transfer to Vietnam for active duty. He was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam where he operated an armoured personel carrier. It was a while on maneuvers near the Cambodian border on January 6th, 1968 that he was mortally wounded. On January 14th, 1968, funeral services were held for Jerry Wayne Wickam at the United Methodist Center sanctuary with his friend and former pastor, William E. Zopp officiating. Full military rites were conducted at the graveside in Lightsville Cemetery with the Leaf River Drill Team and an honor guard from Fort Sheridan in charge. His bravery in battle was cited by his commanding officer and members of his company. For that act of heroism, the Congressional medal of Honor was awarded to his wife Suzanne, his son Michael, and other family members. The ceremony was held in the White House in Washingon D.C. in the office of Vice-President Spiro Agnew on November 18th, 1969. Others present at the ceremony were Congressman John B. Anderson, General William Westmoreland, Secretary of Army, the field Company Commander, the Battalion Commander and an Intelligence Officer all from the Unit in which Jerry served. |
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POEM BY: Michelle Kretsinger niece of Donnie Kretsinger |
STANDING AT THE WALL Standing at the Wall I find his name Though its all I have I miss him just the same Brush back the tears As the people gather round And mourn with me The name that I just found Touch his name And my heart breaks I long to know him And my hand shakes Everyone's quiet There's not a sound Just the gulp in my throat And my heart pounding loud Thou there's a thousand names There's just one I see Donald M. Kretsinger That one belongs to me He died for me And he died for you This soldier, this hero My Uncle I never knew A young man A brave man A hero to this land He died so young but I don't understand why ? Walk to the Wall Time stands still Try to understand But I never will Walk to the Wall Cry for one man Walk to the Wall Cry for them all ! |
From Donnie's friends who served with him: |
Sgt. Ken Fields, gunner team Commander M Co. 3/5 " I arrived in Vietnam a month or two after he did, and looked up to him as an experienced, knowledgeable, effective and dangerous Marine. At the time of his death I was a gunner for the Platoon and had been on many patrols with his squad. On November 8, 1967, I was only a few feet from him when he was killed. In fact, my gun team was wiped out when the bobby trap exploded. Another rifleman was also wounded. I was the only one to stay in country, all the rest were evacuated to Japan. Krets was the only Marine killed. Many other Marines are alive today because of his leadership, as a loyal friend and comrade-in-arms. Donnie will be remembered by me and many others as long as we live, he was a valuable Marine to his company and a good friend to many". |
Jack Swan point man 1st Squad 1st Platoon M Co. 3/5 " My squad leader was Bill Vandergriff he was a great friend of Donnie's. I was point man, 1st squad 1st platoon, my nickname was Swanie, Bill's was Van, and Donnie's was Krets. Donnie and I were both wounded September 4th, 1967 in operation "Swift" along with alot of the other 19 survivors from the 1st platoon. We refused to leave our company with what few men they had left. If my memory serves me correct we stayed in the field another twelve days till the operation ended. On the morning of November 8th, 1967 Donnie replaced Vandegriff as squad leader. Two hours later he was killed by a bobby trap. He felt no pain from the explosion. I lost a piece of my heart when Donnie died. About a hour later our company walked into a ambush and alot of other great Marines died that day. We survivors that knew him are honored to call him BROTHER". |
Cpl. Donald M. Kretsinger |
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