Political Quotes

“Lieutenant Colonel Joe M. Jackson was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in Vietnam. Colonel Jackson volunteered to attempt the rescue of a three-man U.S. Air Force combat control team from the Special Forces camp at Kham Duc. Hostile forces had overrun the forward outpost and established gun positions on the airstrip. The camp was engulfed in flames, and ammunition dumps were continuously exploding and littering the runway with debris. To further complicate his landing, the weather was deteriorating rapidly, thereby permitting only one airstrike prior to his landing. Although fully aware of the extreme danger and likely failure of such an attempt, Lieutenant Colonel Jackson elected to land his aircraft and attempt the rescue. Displaying superb airmanship and extraordinary heroism, he landed his aircraft near the point where the combat control team was reported to be hiding. Once that team was onboard, Colonel Jackson succeeded in getting airborne despite the hostile fire. It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant General Joe M. Jackson. Honoring Chaplain Angelo J. Liteky”