Medal of Honor recipient Nick Bacon dies

Nick Bacon, one of only 25 Arkansans to receive the Medal of Honor and  the only Arkansan to receive the award for service in Vietnam, died today (July 17) following a struggle with throat cancer.

He was 64.

After a 21-year career in the U.S. Army, Bacon served as director of the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs from 1993 to 2005.

On Aug. 26, 1968, while commanding a squad of the first platoon of Company B, 4th Battalion in an operation west of Tam Ky in Vietnam, Bacon destroyed several enemy positions with hand grenades. When his platoon leader was wounded, Bacon led the platoon to destroy remaining enemy positions. Bacon also took command of a second platoon (3rd Platoon, Bravo Company) when its leader was killed and rallied both platoons against the enemy. Providing cover for evacuation of wounded, 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 and destroying an anti-tank gun.

For his actions in this battle, Bacon was awarded the Medal of Honor. For his military service in Vietnam and his career, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (with combat "V"), the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and numerous other awards and decorations.

There have been only 3,468 Medal of Honor recipients, with 621 of those awarded posthumously. It is estimated that less than 100 Medal of Honor recipients are alive today.

U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, issued this statement: “Arkansas, and America, lost a true hero today. Nick’s valiant actions near Tam Ky in Vietnam earned him a Medal of Honor. He was a hero not only in battle but also by the way he lived his life serving others. As the Director of Arkansas’s Department of Veterans Affairs for more than a decade, Nick’s efforts helped bring the Fayetteville VA Long-term Care Facility and Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock to fruition. On a daily basis, Nick’s leadership in the department helped countless veterans in Arkansas receive the benefits they deserved. A humble man who people loved to be around, Nick always had the veteran at heart. He will be greatly missed.”

Rogers Mayor Steve Womack, who commanded Nick Bacon’s son while in the 2nd Battalion, 153rd Regiment of Arkansas’ 39th Infantry Brigade, issued this statement: "Nicky’s courage and leadership is an example of the spirit of America. It has often been said that bravery is not the absence of fear — but the will to overcome it. Nicky Bacon was an example of America’s resolve to protect freedom at all costs. One by one, our nation is losing not only its greatest generation, but it’s true heroes. I know Nicky Bacon’s actions in combat and his support of veterans have inspired other generations of men and women to selfless service."

Funeral services are planned at 11 a.m., Saturday (July 24) at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.