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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, 3d Battalion,
7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Island of Peleliu in
the Palau group, 18 September 1944. Entered service at: Oregon. Birth: 18
October 1924, Cleveland Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity
at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving
with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against
enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau group, 18 September
1944. Boldly taking the initiative when his platoon's left flank advance
was held up by the fire of Japanese troops concealed in strongly fortified
positions, Pfc. Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and,
courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing
approximately 35 enemy soldiers. Pouring his automatic fire into the opening
of the fixed installation to trap the occupying troops, he hurled white
phosphorus grenades and explosive charges brought up by a fellow marine,
demolishing the pillbox and killing all of the enemy. Advancing alone under
the continuous fire from other hostile emplacements, he employed similar
means to smash 2 smaller positions in the immediate vicinity. Determined
to crush the entire pocket of resistance although harassed on all sides
by the shattering blasts of Japanese weapons and covered only by small
rifle parties, he stormed 1 gun position after another, dealing death and
destruction to the savagely fighting enemy in his inexorable drive against
the remaining defenses, and succeeded in wiping out a total of 12 pillboxes
and 50 Japanese soldiers. Stouthearted and indomitable despite the terrific
odds. Pfc. Jackson resolutely maintained control of the platoon's left
flank movement throughout his valiant 1-man assault and, by his cool decision
and relentless fighting spirit during a critical situation, contributed
essentially to the complete annihilation of the enemy in the southern sector
of the island. His gallant initiative and heroic conduct in the face of
extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Jackson and the U.S.
Naval Service.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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