Hurlburt Field in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Madison Jackson
311th Air Commando Squadron
Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016
1. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Madison Jackson Marker
Inscription.
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Madison Jackson. 311th Air Commando Squadron. Lieutenant Colonel Jackson was the aircraft commander of an unarmed C-123 transport flying a tactical emergency evacuation mission to rescue three remaining survivors at the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 May 1968. The camp had been completely overrun and was in control of hostile forces. Intense automatic weapons fire was directed at his aircraft on the landing approach, while on the ground, and during take-off, in addition to the rocket and mortar barrage which rained down while the survivors were boarding. Colonel Jackson's single-minded dedication, courageous determination and extraordinary heroism succeeded in rescuing these survivors under the most hostile conditions. Colonel Jackson was presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on 16 January 1969 by President Johnson.
Lieutenant Colonel Jackson was the aircraft commander of an unarmed C-123 transport flying a tactical emergency evacuation mission to rescue three remaining survivors at the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 May 1968. The camp had been completely overrun and was in control of hostile forces. Intense automatic weapons fire was directed at his aircraft on the landing approach, while on the ground, and during take-off, in addition to the rocket and mortar barrage which rained down while the survivors were boarding. Colonel Jackson's single-minded dedication, courageous determination and extraordinary heroism succeeded in rescuing these survivors under the most hostile conditions. Colonel Jackson was presented the Medal of Honor at the White House on 16 January 1969 by President Johnson.
Erected by the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park Council.
Location. 30° 24.846′ N, 86° 42.023′ W. Marker is in Hurlburt Field, Florida
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, in Okaloosa County. Marker can be reached from Oneal Avenue. Located at the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park and access to the base is restricted. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 315 Independence Road, Hurlburt Field FL 32544, United States of America. Touch for directions.
4. President Johnson congratulates Medal of Honor recipients.
On January 16, 1969. Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson (on Johnson's left) being honored for a daring air rescue in Vietnam.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 467 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.