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.

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.