Retired Army Colonel Jack H. Jacobs' story is just one of many that again make me proud to be an American. One has to wonder how many other times, in other places and other battlefields this kind of heroism was evidenced but never rewarded. To me, it is heroic to sign up to be a soldier and I can never voice my thanks or show my appreciation enough to all those who have. Today, though, on this Memorial Day, I want to highlight just one of those brave men. This will not do justice to his or the others' service but it is written with my most sincere gratitude. So, enjoy the day, eat some watermelon and go play at the lake but if you are able to do these things thank a veteran.
Medal of Honor citation
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machine gun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machine gun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
1 comment:
Well said, Todd.
Do you know this Jack Jacobs?
I was very fortunate to attend a Decoration Day service at the Westlake IOOF Cemetary this evening. All veterans in attendance were honored, and each was asked to step forward and give name, branch, and campaign/theater.
The Cub and Boy Scouts honored one of their own fallen, a student in my son's class who died suddenly, on Valentine's Day, from MRSA, by raising, then lowering the Flag to half-staff. We pledged the Flag and sang "The Star Spangled Banner". Johnny Cash's "Ragged Old Flag" was read, and a one man show featuring former Grapevine and Westlake Town Manager Trent Petty honored the freedmen, buffalo soldiers, and sharecroppers who served our nation with honor, yet often lie in unmarked graves.
At the conclusion, it was announced that this Flag was being retired, so we gave it a final Pledge. The Scouts lowered it and performed a solemn Flag retirement ceremony, after which audience members were invited to participate, with red and white stripes, and blue fields from other Flags which had likewise served their Duty.
Like you, I love the hot dogs and ice cream, and time off from work. And like you, I pray we never forget those who've blessed us so richly.
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