Vietnam War Veteran 9th Infantry Division, Col Jack Jacobs (retired) served in the Army’s 9th Infantry Division shares his story of service during the Vietnam War. Courtesy of the Witness to War project.
Vietnam War Veteran 9th Infantry Division – Medal of Honor Recipient
Colonel Jack Jacobs, a Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, served with distinction in the U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division during one of the most challenging periods in American military history. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jacobs enlisted in the Army through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In 1968, during the height of the Vietnam War, Jacobs was deployed to the Mekong Delta, an area infamous for its treacherous terrain and heavy Viet Cong presence. As a member of the 9th Infantry Division, his role was to lead his men in securing the region and preventing enemy forces from gaining ground.
On March 9, 1968, while serving as an advisor to a South Vietnamese infantry battalion, Jacobs found himself in the midst of a fierce ambush. His unit came under heavy enemy fire, and many of the soldiers were wounded or killed in the attack. Despite suffering severe head and arm injuries from shrapnel, Jacobs took charge of the situation, rescuing 13 of his comrades from certain death. He repeatedly ran through intense enemy fire to carry wounded soldiers to safety, disregarding his own life to save others. His actions that day were later described as extraordinarily brave and selfless, and for his valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.
After recovering from his injuries, Jacobs continued to serve in the Army, rising through the ranks and eventually retiring as a colonel. His experience in Vietnam left a lasting impact, shaping his views on leadership and service. After his military career, Jacobs became a well-respected military analyst and advocate for veterans’ rights, dedicating his life to helping those who served. His story is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in Vietnam, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
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