ARTHUR J. JACKSON, USMC, CMOH - Peleliu 1944

[Ron C.]

Brent Casey
Co-chair Education Outreach;
Congressional Medal of Honor Convention--Louisville 2011

Sent me the following news report to post tonight re Arthur J. Jackson's recent visit to the USS Peleliu.

http://blog.usnavyseals.com/2011/10/...recipient.html

You can also read more at:
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=63166

Ron

Arthur Junior Jackson



Born October 18, 1924 (1924-10-18) (age 86)
Cleveland, Ohio
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
United States Army
Years of service 1943 - 1945, 1959 - 1962 (Marine Corps)
1945 - 1959, 1962 - 1984 (Army)
Rank Captain
Unit 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines
Battles/wars World War II
*Battle of Cape Gloucester
*Battle of Peleliu
*Battle of Okinawa
Korean War
Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart (2)

The citation for his CMOH reads as follows:

"UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

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."