The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 October 1954 through 4 March 1957 as Leader and Commander of the 359th Air Demonstration Flight (Thunderbirds). During this period, Major Broughton successfully guided his unit through a series of three different aircraft. The changes from F-84G to F-84F and finally to the F-100C aircraft, and establishing the Thunderbirds as the world’s First Supersonic Air Demonstration Team, attests to his outstanding leadership ability. As Commander of the Thunderbirds, Major Broughton established an enviable record of never canceling a performance for reasons other than inclement weather. As leader and Commander, he led the Thunderbirds through one hundred and sixty-two aerial demonstrations witnessed by more than four and a half million spectators. The outstanding leadership, management ability and devotion to duty displayed by Major Broughton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.





