Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Sail E. Jackman (ASN: 37001342), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 17 August 1944. In an intense fire fight with strong enemy positions during which Sergeant Jackman killed two, and possibly a third Japanese, a member of his patrol was seriously wounded and lay helpless in an area swept by heavy machine gun and rifle fire. Although a hail of enemy fire twice drove him back from attempts to rescue his wounded comrade, Sergeant Jackman undauntingly tried again. Crawling twenty yards to the wounded man, he dragged him to a defilade position. Sergeant Jackman’s courage and determination in the face of great personal danger exemplify the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    164th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1945

    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 4 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Sail Edwin Jackman (ASN: 37001342), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against enemy forces at Abijao, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. During the 164th Infantry Regiment’s move on Abijao, Company A took the lead. Staff Sergeant Jackman was the lading platoon guide, and as they moved forward he noticed several Japanese in position in a densely covered draw off their right flank. Quickly selecting three volunteers, Staff Sergeant Jackman moved into the draw to deal with the threat. His objective was to prevent any ambush of Company, and began with the shooting of two Japanese who rose to stop him. Just as he did so, however, he himself was fatally wounded by an enemy grenade. Two of his volunteers were wounded in the same explosion. Sergeant Jackman shouted orders to the other men, and to an Aid Man who had come forward to help, not to approach him in his exposed position. Nevertheless, after some time and further fighting with the Japanese, Sergeant Jackman was successfully evacuated before he died. Staff Sergeant Jackman’s fearless leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.