The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician Second Class William Braxton Jackson (NSN: 3623084), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 19 July 1967 while serving with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron TWO, as first crewman of an armored helicopter during a search and rescue mission over North Vietnam. Fully aware that enemy opposition had inflicted material and personnel casualties on rescue helicopters during the two previous days, and had moved additional anti-aircraft batteries and troops into the area, Petty Officer Jackson nevertheless concurred with the pilot and recommended that the rescue of a downed Navy pilot be attempted. After arriving in the area, the helicopter descended and commenced a low-level visual search for the survivor. Petty Officer Jackson manned his machine gun, searching through the dense jungle growth and rugged karst ridges. At this time, concealed enemy anti-aircraft batteries, which had been moved in under cover of darkness, commenced firing at close range, striking the helicopter repeatedly with 37-mm. automatic weapons bursts and causing it to crash into the valley with no survivors. In pursuing his purpose, the saving of a human life, in the face of overwhelming obstacles, Petty Officer Jackson demonstrated exceptional courage, aggressiveness and dedication. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.