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Jackson, Arthur Junior "Bull"

Date of birth:
October 18th, 1924 (Cleveland/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:
June 14th, 2017 (Boise/Idaho, United States)
Buried on:
Idaho State Veterans Cemetery
Plot: 12. Row: I. Grave: 123.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private First Class (Marine)
Unit:
3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded for:
Operation Stalemate II
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st 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, Pfc. 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 phosphorous 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 2 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 1 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. Stouthearted and indomitable despite the terrific odds. Pfc. Jackson resolutely maintained control of the platoon's left flank movement throughout his valiant 1-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 Pfc. Jackson and the U.S. Naval Service."
Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Private First Class
Unit:
3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
For wounded in action at the island Peleliu, Palau in the Pacific Ocean.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Staff Sergeant (Sergeant)
Unit:
1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps
For wounded in action on 18 May 1945 on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, Japan.

This award was obtained in the form of an Gold Star to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.
Purple Heart
China Service Medal - Navy and Marine Corps
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

3 bronze service stars
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal

Sources