Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Dale
Jacobcik
August 26, 1937

–

April 13, 2003

Home:

Kipton

, 

Ohio

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

John Jacobcik enlisted in the Air Force in 1955 as an enlisted man, serving as such until he qualified for appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and graduated with the Class of 1963. He retired in 1984 as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 20, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Dale Jacobcik (AFSN: FR-70090), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1968. On that date a large Special Forces reconnaissance team became surrounded by a numerically superior hostile force and was in grave danger of being overrun. In the face of devastating fire from all quadrants of the battlefield and the surrounding mountainsides, Captain Jacobcik fearlessly directed the employment of tactical air power, flying his unarmed aircraft at a dangerously low altitude while marking targets for their subsequent destruction. His consummate bravery and outstanding skill were responsible for turning the tide of battle and saving many friendly lives. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Jacobcik has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    August 25, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-177 (January 15, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Dale Jacobcik (AFSN: FR-70090), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam, on 25 August 1968. On that date, Captain Jacobcik flew in support of the besieged Duc Lap Special Forces Camp and a smaller friendly unit which had been pinned down while attempting to reinforce the camp. Braving heavy ground fire, he directed the delivery of ammunitions with such outstanding skill and precision that the hostile forces were soundly defeated. His courageous and timely actions were directly responsible for lifting the siege and or saving many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Jacobcik reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Air Support Squadron

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 4, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-228 (January 18, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Dale Jacobcik (AFSN: FR-70090), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 4 May 1968. On that date, Captain Jacobcik flew in support of a Special Forces team which was pinned down by hostile fire in mountainous jungle terrain. Coordinating tactical air power and helicopters despite extremely adverse weather, he successfully guided the friendly unit out of their entrapment and simultaneously destroyed the hostile positions. His superior skill and bravery in an extremely dangerous situation helped to save many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Jacobcik reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.