Joe M. Jackson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joe Madison Jackson
Jackson in 2010
Born	(1923-03-14)March 14, 1923 Newnan, Georgia, U.S.
Died	January 12, 2019(2019-01-12) (aged 95) Washington, U.S.
Place of burial	Arlington National Cemetery Section 34
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force United States Army Air Corps
Years of service	1941–1973
Rank	Colonel
Commands held	311th Air Commando Squadron
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal (4)

Joe Madison Jackson (born March 14, 1923 – died January 12, 2019) was a brave officer in the United States Air Force. He earned the highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during the Vietnam War. On May 12, 1968, he bravely flew his C-123 cargo plane into a dangerous battle zone. He rescued three Air Force members who were trapped under heavy enemy fire. His heroic actions saved their lives.

Joe Jackson's Military Journey

Joe Jackson was born in Newnan, Georgia, on March 14, 1923. As a young boy, he loved building model aircraft. When he turned 18 in March 1941, he joined the Army Air Corps. He hoped to become an airplane mechanic.

World War II Service

After the United States joined World War II, Jackson became a crew chief on a B-25 Mitchell bomber. One day, he had to fill in for a sick flight engineer during a training flight. The plane's right engine caught fire! The pilot didn't know what to do, so Jackson quickly helped put out the fire. He saved the plane and everyone on board.

After that brave moment, Jackson decided he wanted to be a pilot. He finished his pilot training and became an officer. During the war, he flew P-40 Warhawks and P-63 Kingcobras. He ended the war flying a B-24 Liberator bomber.

Korean War and Cold War Missions

In the late 1940s, Jackson started flying fighter planes again. During the Korean War, he became a major. He flew 107 combat missions in an F-84 Thunderjet fighter-bomber.

He also achieved many important things during his service:

• He found a smart way to guide planes back to base in bad weather.
• He created a popular method for landing jet aircraft when it was hard to see.
• He helped plan how to fly many planes across oceans at once.
• He developed a way for fighter planes to deliver nuclear weapons.
• He helped plan and lead spy flights over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
• He was one of the first Air Force pilots to fly the U-2 Dragonlady spy plane.

Vietnam War Heroism

This photo shows Lieutenant Colonel Joe M. Jackson's C-123 (top) getting ready to rescue the last three men (on the runway, right) from Khâm Đức on May 12, 1968.

President Johnson (facing Lt. Col. Jackson) congratulates four Medal of Honor recipients at the White House on January 16, 1969.

After working in Europe, Jackson volunteered to go to Vietnam. He became a commander flying the C-123 Provider over South Vietnam. His unit flew missions like dropping flares, providing communications, and rescuing downed aircraft. He flew 298 combat missions!

His most famous mission was on May 12, 1968, during the Battle of Kham Duc. A Special Forces camp was being attacked by enemy troops. Three Air Force members were trapped there. Jackson bravely flew his C-123 into the camp while it was still under heavy fire. He landed his plane and rescued the three men. This incredible act of courage earned him the Medal of Honor. It's also the only known photo that captures actions leading to this award! The other four crew members on his plane also received awards for their bravery.

On January 16, 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson gave Jackson the Medal of Honor at the White House. Another brave aviator, Stephen W. Pless, also received the Medal of Honor that day. Both men were from Newnan, Georgia! President Johnson joked that "there must be something in the water down in Newnan."

After Vietnam, Jackson worked at the Pentagon. His last job was teaching military strategy at the Air War College. He retired from the Air Force on December 31, 1973, as a colonel.

Awards and Honors

Here are some of the important awards and decorations Joe Jackson received:

US Air Force Command Pilot Badge

	Medal of Honor
	Legion of Merit
	Distinguished Flying Cross
	Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
	Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
	Army Good Conduct Medal
	American Defense Service Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	World War II Victory Medal
	Army of Occupation Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with one 3⁄16" bronze star
	Korean War Service Medal
	Vietnam Service Medal with one 3⁄16" bronze star

	Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
	Armed Forces Reserve Medal

  Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

  Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation

  Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with palm

  United Nations Service Medal

  Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960- device

  Korean War Service Medal

Life After Service

Stone marker honoring Col. Jackson outside Coweta County Courthouse, Newnan, Georgia.

Plaque honoring Jackson at the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.

After retiring, Colonel Jackson lived in Washington state. He continued to help others. For 18 years, he volunteered weekly at a local church that provided meals to people who were hungry.

In 1997, Colonel Jackson was honored by being inducted into the Airlift/Tanker Hall of Fame. The next year, in 1998, he was also inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. A part of Georgia State Route 34 in Coweta County, Georgia is even named after him!

Joe Jackson passed away on January 12, 2019, at his home in Washington state. He was 95 years old.