Medal of Honor: Arthur J. Jackson Rank, World War II, September 18, 1944

Name: Arthur J. Jackson
Rank: Private First Class
War: World War II
Date of Action: September 18, 1944
Unit: 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place: Peleliu, Palau Islands
Born: October 18, 1924, Cleveland, Ohio

Summary of Action

The battle for Peleliu was one of the most savage campaigns of the Pacific. On September 18, 1944, Pfc. Arthur J. Jackson’s platoon was stalled by fierce Japanese fire from a series of heavily fortified pillboxes. Without hesitation, Jackson advanced alone across open ground under a storm of bullets and grenades.

Charging the largest pillbox, which housed roughly 35 enemy soldiers, he riddled the aperture with automatic fire, then hurled white phosphorus grenades and demolition charges inside, killing the defenders and demolishing the position. Not stopping there, he pushed forward, destroying two more nearby emplacements in the same manner.

Covered only by small rifle parties and harassed from every side, Jackson carried his one-man assault through 12 pillboxes, killing an estimated 50 Japanese defenders. His relentless drive shattered the enemy’s resistance and secured the platoon’s flank, allowing the Marines to continue their advance.

Pfc. Jackson’s unflinching courage, aggressive initiative, and iron determination were decisive in annihilating the Japanese pocket of resistance and demonstrated the indomitable spirit of the United States Marine Corps.

Official Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau group, 18 September 1944. Boldly taking the initiative when his platoon’s left flank advance was held up by the fire of Japanese troops concealed in strongly fortified positions, Pfc. Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and, courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing approximately 35 enemy soldiers. Pouring his automatic fire into the opening of the fixed installation to trap the occupying troops, he hurled white phosphorus grenades and explosive charges brought up by a fellow marine, demolishing the pillbox and killing all of the enemy. Advancing alone under the continuous fire from other hostile emplacements, he employed similar means to smash 2 smaller positions in the immediate vicinity. Determined to crush the entire pocket of resistance although harassed on all sides by the shattering blasts of Japanese weapons and covered only by small rifle parties, he stormed 1 gun position after another, dealing death and destruction to the savagely fighting enemy in his inexorable drive against the remaining defenses, and succeeded in wiping out a total of 12 pillboxes and 50 Japanese soldiers. Stouthearted and indomitable despite the terrific odds, Pfc. Jackson resolutely maintained control of the platoon’s left flank movement throughout his valiant 1-man assault and, by his cool decision and relentless fighting spirit during a critical situation, contributed essentially to the complete annihilation of the enemy in the southern sector of the island. His gallant initiative and heroic conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Jackson and the U.S. Naval Service.