Jabara, James "Jabby"

Date of birth:: October 10th, 1923 (Muskogee/Oklahoma, United States)
Date of death:: November 17th, 1966 (Delray Beach/Florida, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 2. Grave: E-478-D.
Service number:: 16309A
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, U.S. Air Force
Awarded on:: May 22nd, 1951

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of an F-86 fighter jet with 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea on 20 May 1951, while flying as an element leader in "Baker" Flight, a formation of six aircraft flying a combat patrol over the Sinuiju-Yalu River area. Shortly after arriving over his target area, a superior number of enemy high performance jet aircraft were sighted. When the drop tank signal was given, two of the friendly aircraft were forced to withdraw because they could not jettison their external drop tanks. Captain Jabara was unable to release one of his tanks and was about to withdraw when he sighted another, larger group of enemy fighters join the original group which was bearing down on the remaining element of his flight. Despite the difficulty of controlling his aircraft with one tank still hanging on, Captain Jabara led his element in an attack on the enemy aircraft. In the ensuing battle Captain Jabara successfully disrupted the enemy formation and turned the tide of the engagement in favor of the friendly forces. During the attack on this formation he destroyed one enemy aircraft, forcing the pilot to eject from his aircraft before the enemy aircraft exploded in mid-air. Breaking off from his attack, he sighted another enemy formation preparing to attack friendly aircraft. Although low on fuel, alone and outnumbered six to one, he flew into their midst to divert them from their objective. During this process he shot down a second MIG-15, bringing his number of kills to six and making him the first jet ace in history."

General Headquarters Far East Command: General Orders No. 131

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, U.S. Air Force
Awarded on:: June 7th, 1951

"For gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with the 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Republic of Korea, on two consecutive missions, 10 and 12 April 1951. On 10 April 1951, Captain Jabara led his squadron through adverse weather conditions to the target area at Sinuiju, Korea, without visual reference to the ground. To effectively accomplish his mission, Captain Jabara descended through the overcast from 38,000 feet to 12,000 feet whereupon he deployed his squadron for maximum combat effectiveness. When a large formation of enemy jet aircraft was sighted he immediately pressed the attack. His attacks were so vicious that one of the enemy pilots was forced to abandon his plane and parachute to safety. Although his aircraft was low on fuel and no ammunition remained, Captain Jabara returned to the target area where he reassembled his squadron and led them to the home base. On 12 April 1951, Captain Jabara was leading his flight of F-86 aircraft on a B-29 escort mission in the Sinuiju-Yalu river area. When enemy aircraft attacked the bombing formation, Captain Jabara displayed exemplary tactical utilization of his forces. By vicious counter-attacks, Captain Jabara's flight repelled the enemy, forcing then to withdraw across the Yalu river. During these relentless attacks, Captain Jabara destroyed one of the enemy aircraft attacking the bombers. Captain Jabara's gallantry, determination to accomplish his assigned mission, and complete disregard for his own personal safety was in the highest traditions of the service, and brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force."

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 262

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Korean War (1950-1953)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, U.S. Air Force
Awarded on:: June 7th, 1951

Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 262 (bronze oak leaf cluster)

Distinguished Service Medal - Air Force

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Colonel
Unit:: 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, U.S. Air Force

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, Tactical Air command, from 17 June 1965 to 17 November 1966. In this important assignment, the forceful leadership and the outstanding and dedicated efforts of Colonel Jabara were significantly displayed in the direction of the rotational deployments, and later permanent change of station deployments, of several tactical fighter squadrons under his command to duty in South Asia and Europe. Also during this period, his dynamic leadership and initiative were displayed in the successful planning of the movement of the 31st Tactical Air Command Fighter Wing to a classified overseas location. Colonel Jabara's achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service and reflect favorably upon himself and the United States Air Force."

Posthumously awarded