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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant William Edward Jackson (ASN: RA-35708200), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Poncho, Korea, on 8 September 1950. On this date he was in charge of his platoon in a defensive position on a ridge to the front of the company’s main line of defense. At about 0400 hours, his position was attacked from two sides by an enemy force estimated to be a company, and suffered heavy casualties. During this short engagement, the automatic weapons of Sergeant Jackson’s platoon were destroyed by enemy fire, and his few remaining men were forced to use hand grenades and bayonets in holding their position. Even though his position appeared apparently hopeless, he ordered the men to hold, and moved up and down the line encouraging them, directing the evacuation of his positions. With his ammunition almost consumed, and his men all but exhausted, he ordered them to withdraw. During the withdrawal he ran from side to side of the ridge, holding off the enemy with rifle and grenade fire, until his platoon had completed its withdrawal into Company G’s lines. After the withdrawal was completed, he was reorganizing his platoon when the enemy made a frontal assault upon the company’s positions, wounding him almost immediately. In spite of his wounds, he continued to direct the fire and movement of the men in his platoon, refusing to be evacuated for medical treatment until the enemy attack was repelled and the company positions secured. The conspicuous gallantry of Sergeant Jackson was largely responsible for the success of Company G in holding off an enemy force of overwhelming numbers. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 26, 1950
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 40 (February 14, 1951), Amended by G. O. 58 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant William Edward Jackson (ASN: RA-35708200), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 26 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On that date his company was assigned the mission of seizing an enemy-held hill. In the initial phases of the attack Sergeant Jackson’s platoon leader was wounded. Immediately Sergeant Jackson assumed command of the platoon and led it in a running assault against the enemy who was well-entrenched on high ground. In this assault he killed three and captured two of the enemy. As the platoon advanced, he continually exposed himself to intense hostile fire and each time resistance was met, fearlessly led elements of the platoon directly into the opposition, killing and dispersing the enemy. When a point 100 yards from the top of the hill was reached, the enemy subjected the platoon to heavy ground fire. Undaunted by the exploding grenades, he formed and led repeated attacks gaining 10 yards at each rush. He had penetrated to within 30 yards of the objective when his company was enveloped on both flanks by two enemy forces each of estimated company strength. Orders were received to withdraw. Maintaining his platoon in a cohesive tactical unit he fought his way through the counterattacking enemy. Throughout the withdrawal he moved continuously among his men, tot heir rear and flanks, making certain that all wounded were being evacuated. As a result of his heroic leadership his platoon was extricated in good order from an untenable position and all wounded members were brought to safety. The gallantry and inspirational leadership displayed on this occasion by Sergeant Jackson reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Master Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    1963
    Department of the Army Letter Orders 7 June 1963, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sergeant William Edward Jackson (ASN: RA-35708200), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States.