David Emanuel Hickman was born in January 1988 in Greensboro, North Carolina. He graduated from Northeast High School in 2006, where he excelled as a football player and earned a black belt in Taekwondo. In 2009, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Hickman served as a specialist in the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division. His unit was deployed to Iraq for “presence patrols,” operations aimed at deterring enemy insurgents.
In November 2011, while on patrol near Baghdad, Hickman lost his life when his armored vehicle struck a roadside explosive. He was 23 years old. A month later, U.S. military operations in Iraq came to an end, making him the last of 4,474 American service members killed during the conflict.
He was laid to rest in Lakeview Memorial Park in his hometown of Greensboro.
Known for his humor and vibrant personality, Hickman was remembered by friends and family as someone whose name could instantly bring a smile. He never wavered in his decision to serve and was eager to complete his mission and return home.
For his bravery and dedication, Hickman received several military honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Iraq Campaign Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. In tribute to his sacrifice, NASCAR driver Paul Menard and the No. 21 Menards/Knauf team featured Hickman’s name on their car during the 2011 Coca-Cola 600 Miles of Remembrance race.
