Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Samuel
James
Wicker
1921-07-26

–

1986-10-28

Born:

Stanford

, 

North Carolina

Home:

Stanford

, 

North Carolina

Buried: 

Alcoa

, 

Tennessee

Cemetery:

Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens

During World War II, Samuel Wicker became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 7 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He left the service briefly and joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard, then re-entered the Air Force and retired in 1963 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    383d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    364th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Samuel James Wicker (ASN: 0-496079), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a P-38 Fighter Pilot of the 383d Fighter Squadron, 364th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    383d Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    364th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 34 (March 5, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Samuel James Wicker (ASN: 0-496079), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Lightning Fighter Airplane of the 383d Fighter Squadron, 364th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Wicker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.