Richard Bernard Jackson
Staff Sergeant
I CO, 3RD BN, 5TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF United States Marine Corps Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 16, 1939 to September 06, 1967 RICHARD B JACKSON is on the Wall at Panel 26E, Line 11 |
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The following article is taken from The Philadelphia Daily News, special supplement entitled 'SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY,' October 26, 1987.
The photograph was provided by his wife, Mrs. Mary Jackson. SEMPER FIDELIS, MARINE!
From a native Philadelphian and Marine, |
A Note from The Virtual WallShortly before dawn on 04 Sep 1967 NVA and VC troops attacked US Marines in the Que Son Valley, beginning Operation Swift. As the battle escalated, both sides introduced additional forces. On 6 September two battalions of the 1st VC Regiment attacked the lead company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Bravo Company was isolated and nearly overrun before artillery-delivered tear gas drove the enemy back. The nearby 3rd Battalion was heavily engaged a few hours later. When India 3/5 was dispatched to attack an enemy held hill, it was isolated and nearly overrun by the 1st VC Regiment's previously uncommitted 3rd Battalion. Kilo 3/5 was sent to relieve India and, though it eventually fought through, the two-company force couldn't move because of the many casualties. That night, two assaults were repulsed. In a night attack of their own Mike 3/5 broke through to the encircled companies, completing the disruption of the enemy force. By dawn on the 7th the NVA/VC had withdrawn into the surrounding mountains.The following men from India and Kilo 3/5 died in the fight for Hill 43:
Over all, one hundred seven Marines were dead. The intensity of the fighting can be judged by the fact that three Medals of Honor and three Navy Crosses were awarded posthumously to Marines and sailors who died in the battle.
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