Today in Medal of Honor History: Jack H. Jacobs

42 years ago, First Lieutenant Jack Jacobs was searching for Viet Cong soldiers when the South Vietnamese battalion that he was advising suddenly came under devastating fire from a large enemy force hidden in bunkers. Many of the soldiers were killed instantly, and Jacobs himself was severely wounded.

Despite his wounds, Jacobs took command of the unit and ordered airstrikes against an enemy that was so strong that the incoming aircraft were driven off by the intense fire. Jacobs repeatedly braved incoming rifle, machine gun, and mortar fire and rescued 13 of his fallen comrades before collapsing from his wounds.

“I come to the conclusion that I’m going to die.” Jacobs said in an interview. “Because I am, I might as well just carry on.” His Medal of Honor citation can be viewed here.

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Posted on March 9, 2010 at 01:09 by Chris Carter · Permalink · Leave a comment
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Jack H. Jacobs Medal of Honor citation

Army MOH CitationThe President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

CAPTAIN

JACK HOWARD JACOBS

ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Jack Howard Jacobs, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the U.S. Military Assistance Command, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 March 1968. Captain Jacobs, Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machinegun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Captain Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Captain Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Captain Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Captain Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On three separate occasions, Captain Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing three and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of one U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Captain Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Born: 2 Aug. 1945 Brooklyn, N.Y…. Served two tours in Vietnam… Also awarded two Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars… Retired as Colonel in 1987… Serves as a military analyst for MSNBC.