Jack H. Jacobs

Colonel Jack H. Jacobs (http://cooljews.wordpress.com/ ())

Ears ringing, eyes burning and blurry, heart pounding and confused.  How would you react in a situation like this? What would be the very first thought you have? I need to get out of here no matter what? Or even maybe have the same thought Colonel Jack Jacobs had, and think, who is alive and who can I save? Colonel Jack H. Jacobs, a man worthy if respect, honor and the title of hero.  So what made Colonel Jack H. Jacobs worthy this honorable title? What made him stand out above the rest?  Colonel Jack H. Jacobs was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on top of his three Silver Stars and two Bronze stars, and two purple hearts during his outstanding service during the Vietnam conflict, becoming one of the most decorated men to serve during Vietnam.  So what did he do to deserve these medals?

Jacob's childhood could've had an affect his decision to join the army. His dad had served during WWII and it might've played a factor in Jacobs's interest into a military career. During college when he went to Rutgers College and he joined their ROTC program.  After college he went into the Army as a platoon leader of the 82^nd airborne division.  He quickly was raised the ranks through the ranks and served as a battalion executive officer for the 7^th infantry division and battalion commander of 10^th infantry regiment.  However, these promotions were given after each one of the two tours to Vietnam.  During the actual tours to Vietnam, he served as a 1^st lieutenant and eventually a Captain.  He also worked with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) as an advising commander ("Colonel Jack H. Jacobs").

It was during Jacob's 1^st tour that he received the Medal of Honor.  He was assigned assistant commander of the company he was with and helped lead his troops during battle.  However, one time when the company was near Kien Phong province when the company came under attack.  The company was ambushed from bunkered Viet Cong forces, the Viet Cong were well set up and had heavy fire ready at their disposal including mortars.  During the engagement, the Company leader went down and was disabled.  Being second in command Jacobs took control of the situation.  He redirected his troops into a battle formation.  However, casualties were rising, and Jacobs ordered a tactical retreat.  During the chaos of the fight, many wounded were left on the battlefield after the retreat.  Even when Jacobs was injured with mortar fragments to the head, and blood blurring his vision, Jacobs sprinted across the open rice patties. He encountered Vietcong forces three times, and by himself took them out, he then continued to evacuate thirteen men from the battlefield.  After this he was promoted to Captain and justly awarded the Medal of Honor (PBS).  In an interview didn't boast about his actions and it even sounded like he wished he did better "I saved the guys I could.  I killed as many enemies as I possibly could..." (Holyoak). There was no "I was the best" just a humble man, who saved the lives of many. 

Colonel Jack H. Jacobs (http://imustimes.wordpress.com ())

There is no greater example of a hero in my opinion.  He threw his own safety away for those of others around him, putting his life on the line for his beliefs and friends.  His beliefs? To protect others around him, at the cost of his own life. How has this affected me? I cannot say.  I do not know if I would do the same.  I wish I could say I would risk my life for my friends, but I cannot say that since sitting in a nice comfy bed and saying I would risk my life when the time comes are two different things.  I hope that if there is a time where I can help save my friends that I remember this man's courage.  That I would risk everything for my beliefs and friends.  Some may say that I would be throwing my life away, but I would rather die knowing I tried to save my friends, than live and know I did nothing. 

"Colonel Jack H. Jacobs." Gale.com. Ed. Business Wire. NCTA. Web. 4 Dec. 2011. .

Holyoak, Sandra Stewart. "Jack Jacobs, Rutgers College Class of 1966." Rutgers Oral History Archives. Web. 05 Dec. 2011. .

PBS. "American Valor . Stories of Valor . Jack Jacobs | PBS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. PBS. Web. 04 Dec. 2011. .