Vietnam Cobra Pilot Shot 37 Times & Other War Stories The Vietnam Experience

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Vietnam Cobra Pilot Shot 37 Times & Other War Stories
The Vietnam Experience

Dec 31, 2024
Robert Jackson joined the Oregon National Guard in 1963 and served for six years before volunteering for active duty in the Army in 1969. After completing flight school and getting certified in the AH-1 Cobra, Jackson deployed to Vietnam where he joined Charlie Troop, 16th Cavalry. After his twelve-month tour in Vietnam, he returned to the Oregon and remained with the National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major in 1990.

 

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Service:

United States Army
Rank:

Captain
Action Date:

Vietnam War

Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Robert J. Jackson, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Jackson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the pilot of a gunship in combat support of ARVN forces which were engaged in heavy contact with enemy forces. Captain Jackson without regard for his personal safety flew repeated strikes against well dug-in enemy positions through intense enemy automatic weapons fire. By his accurate strikes, he neutralized one machine gun position which was impeding the advance of the friendly battalions. After rearming his gunship he returned to the contract area and continued to place effective fire power on the enemy despite receiving intense machine gun and small arms fire. He demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise in placing rocket fire with pinpoint accuracy. On numerous attacks he sustained hits in the fuselage of his aircraft when he fearlessly exposed his gunship to enemy fire to attain the best approach for attack. When released to return to his home base, he insisted on remaining and although taking murderous machine gun fire continued to engage the enemy until his ordnance was expended. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success attained by the ARVN forces and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.