Joe Jackson MOH updated

 Old pilots AND Bold pilots

Sarge posted a tale about this MOH recipient back in 2015.  That's long enough to post a rerun.  Besides, I've been on Vacay for a week.  Yes, Beans, a very relaxing cruise on a Disney Cruise ship around Norway with Little J, LJW and the lovely Miss Bella.  Great fun!  So,  the story of this hero's efforts has been in the hopper for about 10 days.  Enjoy. 

 

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If you'll notice in the bottom left corner of the picture, there's a airplane there. That would be LtCol Jackson's C-123 which he has landed on an airstrip that is under artillery attack.  His intent is to prevent 3 Americans from being captured by the VC.  As I read through the information about this episode, I realized that I would have to revise my normal saying I had back in my flying days.  It used to be "I'd rather be lucky than good".  It became "I'd rather be lucky AND good."  

Well done LtCol Jackson and well deserved. 

Addendum

Flight examiner/co-pilot Maj. Jesse W. Campbell; Flight Engineer TSgt. Edward M. Trejo; Loadmaster SSgt. Manson L. Grubbs, the crew of Jackson's plane on this mission, each received the Air Force Cross.

 Citation for the award of the Medal of Honor to LtCol Joe Jackson USAF

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, eight aircraft had been destroyed by the intense enemy fire and one 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 one 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 fellow men, 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. 

He passed away in 2019 at age 95.  A life well lived and a reward well earned.  Rest in Peace.