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Photo #   NH 106300:  Second Lieutenant Arthur J. Jackson, USMC

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- UNITED STATES --

Captain Arthur J. Jackson, USAR, (1924-___)

Arthur Junior Jackson was born on 18 October 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio. He later moved to Portland, Oregon with his family and, following graduation from high school, worked in Alaska for a naval construction company. Returning to Portland, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1943. After recruit training at San Diego, California, he went overseas to join the First Marine Division, based at Melbourne, Australia. During subsequent service in the Pacific war zone, Jackson participated in the Cape Gloucester campaign, receiving a commendation letter for saving a wounded Marine. During his time in the region, he attained the rank of Private First Class.

On 18 September 1944, Jackson served with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in action against the Japanese on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group. When his platoon's left flank was held up by enemy fire, he conducted a bold assault, mainly alone, that destroyed 12 enemy pillboxes and contributed vitally to the capture of the island's southern sector. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" on this occasion, PFC Jackson was awarded the Medal of Honor.

In the Spring of 1945, Jackson was a platoon sergeant during the Okinawa campaign. Commissioned a Marine Second Lieutenant in August, he served in North China during the post-war occupation. Over the next four decades he served in both the Marine Corp, as a Master Sergeant, and the U.S. Army Reserve, in which he attained the rank of Captain. Jackson's Army service included active duty during the Korean War and continued until 1984. In civilian life, he worked for the United States Postal Service. Arthur J. Jackson is retired and currently resides in Boise, Idaho.

This page features the only images we have concerning Arthur J. Jackson.


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Photo #: NH 106300

Second Lieutenant Arthur J. Jackson, USMC


Halftone reproduction of a photograph, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 208.
Arthur J. Jackson was awarded the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in combat against the Japanese on Peleliu Island in the Palau Group, 18 September 1944. He held the rank of Private First Class at that time.

U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

Online Image: 59KB; 580 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 106301

President Harry S. Truman
(left)
and
Second Lieutenant Arthur J. Jackson, USMC (right)

Shaking hands after President Truman presented the Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant Jackson during Nimitz Day Ceremonies at the White House, Washington, D.C. on 5 October 1945.
When he performed the actions for which he received the award, on Peleliu Island, 18 September 1944, Jackson held the rank of Private First Class.
Note: Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith, USMC, is in the extreme right background, seated to the right of Second Lieutenant Jackson's shoulder.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Online Image: 35KB; 590 x 765 pixels

 



Medal of Honor citation of Private First Class Arthur J. Jackson, USMC. (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 208):

"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, 18 September 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, Second Lieutenant Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and, courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing approximately 35 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 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 12 pillboxes and 50 Japanese soldiers. Stout-hearted and indomitable despite the terrific odds, Lieutenant 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 Second Lieutenant Jackson and the United States Naval Service."

Note: Arthur J. Jackson's rank is given as "Second Lieutenant" and "Lieutenant" in this citation, as quoted from the source cited above. However, other versions of the citation give his rank as Private First Class, which was his correct rank on 18 September 1944.


NOTES:

  • To the best of our knowledge, the pictures referenced here are all in the Public Domain, and can therefore be freely downloaded and used for any purpose.

  • Some images linked from this page may bear obsolete credit lines citing the organization name: "Naval Historical Center". Effective 1 December 2008 the name should be cited as: "Naval History and Heritage Command".


    If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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    Page made 23 November 2008
    Edited and reposted 20 October 2009