Joe M. Jackson

Spring 2008 interview with medal of honor recipient Lt. Colonel Joe M. Jackson.

Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, 311th Air Commando Squadron, Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam, 12 May 1968.

Entered service at: Newman, Ga. Born: 14 March 1923, Newman, Ga.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Jackson distinguished himself as pilot of a C-123 aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of a 3-man USAF Combat Control Team from the special forces camp at Kham Duc. Hostile forces had overrun the forward outpost and established gun positions on the airstrip. They were raking the camp with small arms, mortars, light and heavy automatic weapons, and recoilless rifle fire. The camp was engulfed in flames and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris. In addition, 8 aircraft had been destroyed by the intense enemy fire and 1 aircraft remained on the runway reducing its usable length to only 2,200 feet.

To further complicate the landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only 1 air strike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt. Lt. Col. Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt to rescue. Displaying superb airmanship and extraordinary heroism, he landed his aircraft near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. While on the ground, his aircraft was the target of intense hostile fire. A rocket landed in front of the nose of the aircraft but failed to explode.

Once the combat control team was aboard, Lt. Col. Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire directed across the runway in front of his aircraft. Lt. Col. Jackson's profound concern for his fellowmen, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself, and the Armed Forces of his country.

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[MrBobuaw10]

I met the man and had dinner with him in Newnan at the dedication of the park and monument downtown Newnan. Such a down to earth class act of a man. A true hero in every sense of the word.

[Tung200]

The battle of Kham Duc proved that America did not win every major battle in Vietnam. Westmoreland was a great spin doctor, who was able to hide the facts of this battle.

[Sooprazn]

Thank you for your service.

[psnider]

From Newnan, Ga. A small town that had 2 Medal of Honor Recipients during the Vietnam War. Joe Jackson and Stephen Pless

[SilentBlade47]

What makes him such a great guy is the fact that he is not a aloof or self-promoting bastard, he is just a regular guy who has faced extraordinary events and overcome them.

[cconn301]

My Dad was a company commander with the Americal on the ground at Kham Duc, sent in to reinforce the special forces unit there. Great video. Good man.