Vernon W. Pickett

Vernon W. Pickett (August 12, 1912 – September 14, 1944) was a United States Army officer during World War II. He was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross for escaping from a prisoner of war camp. He is the current namesake of Fort Pickett.

Early life Vernon W. Pickett was born on August 12, 1912, in Pineville, Louisiana, to C. E. Pickett. He graduated from Bolton High School in 1930. He attended Louisiana College for four years. He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment. In April 1944, he was promoted to first lieutenant. The regiment went first to England and then on to Normandy, France on June 8, 1944 as part of the 35th Infantry Division. The regiment was sent right into the fight. On July 15, Pickett was wounded and captured by the enemy near Saint-Lô, France while leading a communications team to set up a forward observations post. The Camp was dedicated on July 3, 1942, to commemorate Pickett's Charge 79 years earlier against the federal position at Gettysburg.