Jerome PICKETT
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
IN LOVING MEMORY
“SKY SOLDIER”
173rd Airborne Brigade
The Sky Soldiers were members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, an elite airborne infantry unit of the United States Army. Activated in 1963 on Okinawa, the brigade quickly earned its nickname from Nationalist Chinese paratroopers who called them “Tien Bien,” meaning “Sky Soldiers,” in recognition of their frequent joint parachute missions.
In May 1965, the 173rd became the first major U.S. Army ground combat unit deployed to Vietnam. Over six years of intense combat, they participated in pivotal operations such as Operation Hump, Operation Junction City, and the Battle of Dak To. The brigade also conducted the only combat parachute jump of the Vietnam War on February 22, 1967.
The Sky Soldiers were known for their courage, innovation, and resilience. They pioneered long-range patrol tactics and executed amphibious assaults in hostile terrain. Their service earned them 14 campaign streamers, four unit citations, and thousands of individual honors, including 13 Medals of Honor and over 6,000 Purple Hearts. Tragically, 1,647 Sky Soldiers gave their lives during the Vietnam conflict.
Sergeant First Class Jerome Pickett, U.S. Army (Ret.) proudly served in the Vietnam War as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Over the course of five campaigns, he demonstrated unwavering courage and commitment to his country. For his extraordinary valor in combat, he was awarded five service stars, displayed as a single silver star on his Vietnam Service Ribbon. He was not only a decorated veteran, but a true American hero whose legacy of service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
- PALLBEARERS -
Vincent Huff, McKinley Patterson, Jakhiry Pickett, Chanse Huff, Jyron Eaton, Zerrick Osborne, Darryl Hatchett, and Demetrius Brown
- FLOWER BEARERS -
Family and Friends
- INTERMENT -
Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort 34904 Alabama Highway 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36527
- ACKNOWLEDGMENT -
The family of the late Mr. Jerome Pickett extends our deepest gratitude for the many expressions of love, prayers, and support shown during our time of bereavement Your presence, kind words, and every act of kindness shown has brought us comfort and strength.
A special thank you is given to our church familes, friends, neighbors, and all who have shared in honoring Jerome’s life and legacy. May God bless each of you abundantly for the love you have shown.
With heartfelt appreciation, The Family Pickett
