AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Desert Storm
MODEL:  A-6E

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander John E. Jackson III, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against hostile forces as a Bombardier/Navigator of an attack aircraft while serving with Attack Squadron 155 embarked on USS RANGER (CV 61) on 20 January 1991. As a part of a sixteen aircraft CVW-2 strike package, Lieutenant Commander Jackson directed his A-6E Intruder aircraft on a successful strike deep into Iraq to the strategic Al Basrah Gas/Oil Separation Plant. As the strike package proceeded toward the target, poor weather hampered navigation and communications between all aircraft. Exploiting a break in the weather, Lieutenant Commander Jackson bravely proceeded toward his target, skillfully prosecuting his attack while others in the flight were compelled to retire. Despite intense enemy anti-aircraft artillery fire, multiple surface to air missile launches and marginal weather, he guided his aircraft to the optimum weapons delivery envelope and precisely delivered four 2, 000-pound weapons to the target, inflicting heavy damage. This attack marked the first time an Air Wing Two aircraft had successfully bombed deep into heavily defended Iraqi territory. Lieutenant Commander Jackson's aggressive leadership, superb airmanship, and courageous dedication to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.