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 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Heroes • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #36 Lyndon B. Johnson, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 16, 1969.

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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. C-123 Provider (here, next to this marker); Operation Ranch Hand Memorial (a few steps from this marker); *A Grateful Nation Remembers* (a few steps from this marker); Special Tactics Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Spooky (within shouting distance of this marker); Medal of Honor Recipients (within shouting distance of this marker); C-47 Sky Train (within shouting distance of this marker); A-1E Skyraider (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hurlburt Field.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Memorial at Colonel Joe Jackson's hometown of Newnan, Georgia.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson. (Submitted on November 20, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

C-123 Provider aircraft and marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016

2. C-123 Provider aircraft and marker.

C-123 Provider with marker in background. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, November 17, 2016

3. C-123 Provider with marker in background.

President Johnson congratulates Medal of Honor recipients. image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

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.