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<em>Kenneth Gregory Wickham</em> was born in Hayti, MO, and grew up on a farm. He graduated from high school and junior college in Jefferson City, MO, and then attended the University of Missouri, majoring in engineering for two years before entering West Point in 1934. As a cadet he participated in <em>Pointer</em> and <em>Howitzer</em> activities, served as a member of the Honor committee, and represented E Company on various committees. Upon graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Coast Artillery and, prior to WWII, served with anti-aircraft artillery units at Ft. Totten, NY, and Schofield Barracks, HI.</p>
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In July 1941, he assumed command of Battery C, 10th Coast Artillery, and later commanded the 1st Battalion, 10th Coast Artillery, and the mine defenses of Narragansett Bay during the early months of WWII. In June 1942, he was ordered to Washington as one of the principal staff officers in the organization of a special assault unit of regimental size consisting of American and Canadian forces specifically trained for operations in Europe. For this organization, known as the 1st Special Service Force, a special snow vehicle, “The Weasel,” was designed. The unit trained in Montana, Virginia, and Vermont. After several changes of mission, it was ordered to the Aleutian Islands for participation in the Kiska Operation in August 1943 and, immediately upon completion of this assignment, the unit was moved through the United States and North Africa to combat in Italy, where it participated in the Naples–Foggia campaign in operations near Cassino. In January 1944, Wickham became the executive officer of the 1st Special Service Force on the eve of their departure for the Anzio Beachhead. Later, in June 1944, they participated in the liberation of Rome.</p>
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In July 1944, Wickham was assigned to the 1st Airborne Task Force, a provisional airborne division assigned to the Assault Forces, and entered Southern France on 15 Aug 1944. He became chief of staff of this division, supervising ground operations liberating the French Riviera. In November 1944 he joined the 45 th Infantry Division in Northern France as its chief of staff. There he participated in the battles of Ardennes–Alsace, Central Europe, and the Rhineland, ending with the capture of Munich and the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. He returned to the United States with the division, and upon its demobilization in November 1945, Wickham returned to the Coast Artillery.</p>
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Between WWII and Korea, Wickham served as executive officer of the Coast Artillery School at Ft. Monroe, VA, and moved with the school to Ft. Winfield Scott, CA. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College, served in the plans and operations division of the Army General Staff at the Pentagon, and was chief of staff of the 4th and 6th Infantry Divisions at Ft. Ord, CA. Upon transfer to The Adjutant General’s Corps he was appointed chief of a major instructional department of The Adjutant General’s School at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN.</p>
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In 1954, Wickham became adjutant general of the Eighth Army in Korea. Upon his return in 1955, he was a student at the Army War College, graduating in June 1956. He returned to Washington as executive officer to the Adjutant General and in June 1959 was assigned as commandant of the Adjutant General’s School.</p>
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He was nominated for promotion to temporary brigadier general in the spring of 1961, and in July he became the chief of the personnel division, the Adjutant General’s Office, at the Pentagon. In January 1962, he became commander of the United States Army Data Services and Administrative Systems Command, supervising data processing for the Headquarters Department of the Army and administering the Army’s worldwide personnel statistical and accounting services. In April 1964 he became commanding general of the USA Combat Developments Command Combat Service Support Group at Ft. Lee, VA. In March 1964 he was promoted to temporary major general. MG Wickham served at the Pentagon as The Adjutant General of the Army as his last assignment, retiring in 1971. Prior to his retirement he represented the military services on the Olympic Committee for the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City. He is listed in <em>Who’s Who in America.</em></p>
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In July 1938 he married Helen at West Point, and they had one daughter. Helen Wickham died 17 May 1980 and is buried at West Point. MG Wickham is survived by his second wife, Norma A. Wickham; his daughter; two grandsons; a great-grandson; and a great-granddaughter.</p>
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He was a wonderful role model for his family. We will always miss him.</p>
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<em>Mary Wickham Anderson, daughter</em></p>