Lt. Colonel Joe M Jackson - 1968 Vietnam Medal of Honor Hero

On May 12, 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Jackson flew his transport aircraft into a besieged Special Forces camp at Kham Duc, South Vietnam, rescuing three combat controllers. President Johnson awarded the Medal of Honor to Jackson on January 16, 1969. Colonel Jackson enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1941, and was promoted to the grade of Staff Sergeant before being selected for Aviation Cadet training. After graduation, he spent the remainder of WWII teaching gunnery at Eglin Field, Florida. During the Korean War, Colonel Jackson served as Operations Officer and later as Executive Officer of the 524th Fighter Squadron where he flew 107 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1956, he became one of the first Air Force U-2 pilots, commanding detachments and supervising reconnaissance operations throughout the world. In the early 1960's while still serving, he attended night school graduating from the University of Omaha with a degree in Education. Continuing his education, he attended the Air War College and concurrently attended George Washington University, graduating with a Master's Degree in Political Science. Following a tour in Europe, he was sent to Vietnam where he flew 298 combat sorties and earned the Medal of Honor for actions on May 12, 1968 for his part in the evacuation of Kham Duc while under fire. 🇺🇸👕🎖️** Find All Of Our Exclusive Patriotic & History-Oriented Merchandise Here - Every Sale Supports The Channel And Keeps Us "On The Air": https://teespring.com/stores/lionhear... Even more Historically Nerdy Products can be found here! https://lionheartfilmworks.etsy.com ☕ If you appreciate our content and want to support us further, direct donations are always welcome at: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lionheart PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, CLICK THE 'BELL' ICON FOR ALERTS ON NEW CONTENT - AND SHARE THIS VIDEO TO HELP US GROW AND KEEP HISTORY HAPPENING! Some other videos you might like on our Channel: 400 Evolution of the United States Army Uniform:    • Evolution of the United States Army Uniform   Medal of Honor Moment - Sergeant York:    • Sergeant Alvin York - Oct. 8th 1918 Medal ...   The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:    • The Story of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier   #lionheartfilmworks #militaryhistory #medalofhonor