The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Earl W. Jackson (ASN: 0-1326399), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 222d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 24 January 1945, near Ohlungen, France. As Lieutenant Jackson led a patrol into a wooded area, the enemy opened up with deadly machine gun fire. Leaving five men to guard the rear of the patrol, Lieutenant Jackson unhesitatingly advanced toward the hostile gun and succeeded in killing the entire crew. He then continued his advance into the woods and came upon a full company of enemy infantrymen. Lieutenant Jackson observed the group until he located the company commander whom he killed with a well-aimed shot, leaving the enemy force in a disorganized state. He then returned to his patrol and contacted elements of an armored division and personally led them in an attack on the enemy company. Through his great daring, aggressive skill and initiative, Lieutenant Jackson played a major role in the successful attack which accounted for 160 of the enemy killed or captured.