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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Samuel Sloan Jack (MCSN: 0-4252), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of all Navy and Marine Corps Fighter Aircraft on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period from 17 November 1942 through 18 January 1943. Despite the strain and tension to which he was subjected during a grave period of ceaseless combat, Lieutenant Colonel Jack, employing skillful tactics, tirelessly and determinedly directed his fighters in action which resulted in the destruction of 77 enemy planes in the air, 17 on the ground, and 19 others probably destroyed. His inspiring leadership and outstanding professional ability contributed immeasurably to the success of our forces on Guadalcanal and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    February 15 – September 1, 1945
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Samuel S. Jack (MCSN: 0-4252), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 15 February through 1 September 1945.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Aircraft Squadrons

    Regiment:

    2d Marine Brigade (Nicaragua)

    Action Date:

    April 12 & 13, 1931
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 04252-1-3 (1 June 1932)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Samuel Sloan Jack (MCSN: 0-4252), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession as aviator while attached to the Second Marine Brigade operating in the Republic of Nicaragua. On 12 April 1931, Lieutenant Jack in the face of machine gun and rifle fire from bandits, located and most effectively bombed a bandit camp near Moss Farm, Nicaragua. On 13 April 1931, he assisted in effecting a crossing of the Snaki Bridge by ground patrol and thereafter located a bandit camp at Logtown; this information he delivered to the ground patrol which he guided to the scene, meanwhile, at great personal risk, effectively harassing the enemy and pinning him to the ground with machine gun fire until arrival of the patrol. The ensuing engagement resulted in the death of the notorious Sandino jefe, Pedro Blandon, on of the most brilliant successes in the Nicaraguan campaign.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1952 – May 7, 1953
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Samuel Sloan Jack (MCSN: 0-4252), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in Korea during the period from 6 September 1952 through 7 May 1953.