Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Percival W. Jackson (NSN: 0-77712), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Squadron Commander of Composite Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), attached to the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), in close engagement with a large Task Force of the enemy in the Battle of Samar Island on 25 October 1944. His intrepid zeal and aggressive attack in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire resulted in a torpedo hit on an enemy battleship. His was the only plane loaded with a torpedo which took part in this particular attack, this condition resulting in unusually heavy anti-aircraft fire being concentrated on him. His coolness, skill and aggressive, courageous actions were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Composite Squadron 27 (VC-27)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Savo Island (CVE-78)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944

    Commander Air Forces Pacific: Serial 5333 (May 23, 1946)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Percival W. Jackson (NSN: 0-77712), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane and Squadron Commander of Composite Squadron TWENTY-SEVEN (VC-27), attached to the U.S.S. SAVO ISLAND (CVE-78), on 25 October 1944. When recalled from his mission of Air Coordinator in searching out and directing attacks on straggler units of the Japanese surface force attempting to escape from the Surigao Straits action of the night before, he sighted a major force of the Japanese Fleet attacking one of our carrier Task Groups. He immediately proceeded to attack a Japanese cruiser of the TONE Class in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, scoring at least one bomb hit on the after part of this vessel. While retiring from this attack he sighted a Japanese submarine with conning tower just awash. He immediately attacked with a salvo of 5-inch rockets scoring a hit and damaging the periscope. Then as he was proceeding to his carrier he sighted a Japanese seaplane (Jake) which he maneuvered to attack and shot down with his fixed machine guns. His disregard for personal safety and determination to inflict damage upon the enemy during these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Composite Squadron 27 (VC-27)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Savo Island (CVE-78)

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1944

    Commander 3d Amphibious Force Pacific: Serial 090 (May 9, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Percival W. Jackson (NSN: 0-77712), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the assault on the enemy-held Palau Islands. On 16 September 1944, he conducted a difficult and exacting bombing assignment in carrier-based aircraft over an area immediately adjacent to friendly troops, in the face of continuous enemy anti-aircraft fire. Because of the accuracy of the bombing by Lieutenant Commander Jackson and his flight of torpedo bombers, the area bombed was cleared of the enemy and our troops were able to make a substantial advance. In numerous other missions executed by the squadron under his command during the period from 12 – 30 September 1944, in the face of enemy fire, five enemy anti-aircraft positions and ammunition dumps were destroyed and two artillery emplacements were silenced. His courage, leadership and expert airmanship were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Composite Squadron 27 (VC-27)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Savo Island (CVE-78)

    Action Date:

    October 23, 1944 – January 6, 1945

    Commander Air Forces Pacific Fleet: Serial 5734 (June 3, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Percival W. Jackson (NSN: 0-77712), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 23 October 1944 to 6 January 1945. Lieutenant Commander Jackson completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.