 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2019) |
Joe Madison Jackson | |
|---|---|
 Jackson in 2010 | |
| Born | March 14, 1923 Newnan, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2019 (aged 95) Orting, Washington, U.S. |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery Section 34 |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Air ForceUnited States Army Air Corps |
| Years of service | 1941–1973 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands | 311th Air Commando Squadron |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards |  Medal of HonorLegion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal (4) |
Joe Madison Jackson (March 14, 1923 – January 12, 2019) served as a career officer in the United States Air Force and received the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War. On 12 May 1968, he volunteered for a dangerous impromptu rescue of three remaining Air Force members (Maj. John W. Gallagher; TSgt. Morton J. Freedman; SSgt. James G. Lundie) trapped at an overrun Army Special Forces camp. While the camp was still under heavy enemy fire from North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops, he skillfully piloted his C-123 cargo plane and rescued the three men.