"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese
forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group, September 18, 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, Private First Class Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward
of our lines and, courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a
large pillbox housing approximately thirty-five 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 a similar means to smash two
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 one 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
twelve pillboxes and fifty Japanese soldiers. Stouthearted and
indomitable despite the terrific odds, Private First Class Jackson
resolutely maintained control of the platoon's left flank movement
throughout his valiant one-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 Private First
Class Jackson and the United States Naval Service."
From PFC. Jackson's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 5, 1945.
A true lethal Marine,
Brian
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