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
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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)