SP5 Rudolf Micka, Binghamton, NY on www.VirtualWall.org The Virtual Wall® Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

SP5 Rudolf Micka entered the Army on 16 May 1969. He began his first tour in Vietnam on 26 August 1970 and served more than one tour as evidenced by his first tour award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) (7 September 1970 to 20 February 1971) and his second tour award of a Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service (September 1970 to January 1972).

His ARCOM citation reads in part: "While serving as Generator and Refrigeration Mechanic, Area Engineer Section, HQ, Third Reginal Assistance Command, USMACV, Specialist Micka voluntarily devoted many long tedious hours of effort during this period travelling to the most critical areas by any mode of transportation he could intercept. At many sites, without parts available, he had to rely on ingenious mechanical innovations and field expedients to provide electrical power. During the 1971 Dry Season Campaign, he was assigned chief responsibility for the generator maintenance of the Border Ranger Surveillance Command sites scattered along the border between South Vietnam and Cambodia. Again, he displayed an unusual amount of skill and resourcefulness in this effort and contributed greatly in the success of the Ranger effort during this operation. ..."

His Bronze Star citation reads in part: "For distinguishing himself by meritorious serfvice in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period September 1970 to January 1972 while serving as Generator Repairman, Area Engineer Section, HQ, Third Regional Assistance Command, US MACV. Specialist MICKA's dutie srequired that he assume responsibility for the supervision of locally performed maintenance of over 400 generators of various models, located in over 50 widely dispersed sites throughout the Military Region. He was required to make numerous emergency trips to sites that experienced major electric breakdown in enemy areas of influence. The urgency of the lighting requirement in most cases required that numerous field expedients and unusual solutions to mechanical problems be provided. His uncanny ability and sincere willingness to do his utmost to restore sorely needed security lighting resulted in many letters of appreciation and commendations. He further conducted himself at all times in a commendable manner and displayed an exceptional professional skill and dedication to his job, without which, the Area Engineer Section could not have successfully performed it's mission. ..."

1974 Tribute From His Mother

"In loving memory of our son Rudy Micka, who passed away 2 years ago today, February 20, 1972. We do not forget you, nor do we intend to. We think of you often and will till the end. Gone and forgotten by some you may be, but dear to our memory you will ever be. Mother and Stepfather Karel"

- - Binghamton NY Press & Sun-Bulletin, Feb 20, 1974, page 20

Local area papers reported his death as: "City GI in Vietnam Killed Accideentally. Spec 5c Rudolf Micka, son of Mrs. Anna Nosek, 300 Clinton Street, Binghamton, dies Sunday at a base camp in Vietnam after his weapon accidentally discharged into him, according to the Defense Department. Department officials said Micka had been in Vietnam since Aug. 26, 1970."

SP5 Micka was survived by his mother, Mrs. Anna Nosek (1920-1976) and they are buried at Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome County, New Jersey.

- - The Virtual Wall, 14 December 2019

God and the soldier, we adoreIn time of danger, not before.The danger over and all things righted,God is forgotten, the soldier slighted.

God and the soldier, we adore
In time of danger, not before.
The danger over and all things righted,
God is forgotten, the soldier slighted.