VIETNAM - JACKSON, DARRELL ASA

Jackson, Darrell Asa

VIETNAM - JACKSON, DARRELL ASA
JACKSON, DARRELL ASA

Rank: Private First Class

Unit: K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

MOS: 11D – Armor Reconnaissance Specialist

Awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge

Unit awards: Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device

Enlisted by: Selected Service

Date of birth: 24-Apr-1946

Hometown: Clarkston, Washington

Marital status: Married to Sheila D. Jackson

Campaign: Vietnam Conflict

Entered service: 10-Nov-1965

Start of tour: 28-Aug-1966

Incident date: 14-Oct-1966

Date of casualty: 14-Oct-1966

Age at death: 20

Cause of death: Hostile, died. Explosive Device. Other explosive device.
Darrell Asa Jackson on 14 Oct 1966 in Vietnam as the result of injuries to the legs, right arm, abdomen and head received when hit by fragments from a hostile grenade.

Location of fatality: South Vietnam

Place of interment: Sweetwater Cemetery, Idaho, USA

View this soldier‘s Find a Grave page (opens in a new window)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial panel and row: 11E 074 (view Vietnam Veterans Memorial link in a new window)

 

SILVER STAR

SILVER STAR
POSTHUMOUS

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS DARRELL ASA JACKSON
14 OCTOBER 1966
K TROOP, 3rd SQUADRON
11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT

Private First Class Jackson distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Jackson distinguished himself on 14 October 1966 while serving as the rear security for a twelve man patrol during a reconnaissance mission near Ben Cam. As Private First Class Jackson’s patrol was maneuvering along a jungle trail it suddenly received intense hostile fire from an estimated Viet Cong platoon. During the initial volley of fire over half of the patrol members were wounded, including the patrol leader and his assistant. Realizing the seriousness of the situation Private First Class Jackson immediately rushed forward through intense Viet Cong fire to a position in front of the patrol in an effort to provide covering fire for the evacuation of his wounded comrades. With complete disregard for his safety, Private First Class Jackson delivered suppressive fire on the attacking Viet Cong until the stricken soldiers were safely evacuated. As he was preparing to join the remainder of the patrol, Private First Class Jackson was mortally wounded by a Viet Cong grenade explosion. Through his courage he contributed immeasurably to the safe withdrawal and evacuation of his comrades. Private First Class Jackson’s gallantry in action against a numerically superior hostile force, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam General Orders No. 6373 (15 November 1966)