Colonel Jack H. Jacobs

Further demonstrating his heroic qualities, Colonel Jacobs exhibited exceptional selflessness while in battle.  Putting himself in harm's way countless times to save the lives of others, he rescued a total of 14 people:  "CHADWICK: How many men did you pull back? Col. JACOBS: I don't know. I didn't count. The citation says 13 or 14 or so. That's probably about right" (Madeline Brand). Rather than accept the comfort his makeshift base had to offer, Jacobs chose to put himself at risk several times to rescue his fellow troops.  This evidences his true selflessness because it shows he values others' lives over his own.  The Center of Military History describes a specific instance of such actions: "Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid" (Center of Military History).  Saving those that cannot save themselves, Colonel Jacobs demonstrates his extraordinary altruistic nature.  This is a vital characteristic for heroes to possess because they would not rescue others from harm if they were more concerned with protecting themselves.  Without a thought for his own safety, Colonel Jack H. Jacobs was able to save the lives of 14 people.

Possibly the most important of all, Colonel Jacobs' amazing perseverance is what truly saved his company.  While it is a feat to save lives and fight off enemy troops once, doing so multiple times ushers in a new meaning of the word "hero."  By supporting his valiant and selfless traits with incredible perseverance, Colonel Jack H. Jacobs made himself a true hero: "We do this over and over, inching forward, rifles spitting, hauling wounded friends back" ("Medal of Honor Recipient Asks: 'If Not Now, When?'.").  Anybody can go beyond what may be required of them once, but it takes a real hero to do so many times.  By exceeding his call of duty on countless instances, Jacobs persevered until his company was safe.  But not only was the physical aspect of saving his troops a daunting task, so were the mental challenges.  Yet even though he knew the Vietcong vastly outgunned and outnumbered him, Jacobs remained undiscouraged: "CHADWICK: You know that the military units you were facing that day, they could've been Vietcong regulars, they could've been in that particular place and at that time; that could've been a North Vietnamese unit. In any case, these are very often skilled and experienced enemy soldiers that you're facing.Col. JACOBS: Yeah, they're good. They were good. It turns out that they were North Vietnamese regulars" (Madeline Brand).  Had Colonel Jacobs been disheartened by the skill of his opponents and the odds of him failing, he may never have survived; leaving his troops leaderless to fend for themselves.  But through his perseverance Jacobs was undaunted by his foes and was able to overcome the obstacles they presented.  In summary, Colonel Jack H. Jacobs' heroic acts were driven by his unparalleled perseverance.

Colonel Jacobs says it best "It does go through your mind that if you don't do it, who's going to?" (Madeline Brand).  In order to do something when no one else can or will, a hero must have the valiance to do what is right, the selflessness to put others ahead of himself, and the perseverance vital to drive this cause.  When these three things come together, something momentous is sure to ensue.  In the case of Colonel Jack H. Jacobs, that something was saving the lives of 14 men. Since I first heard of this, I now refuse to let obstacles get in the way of my success.  As of April 9, 2013, I have zero-tolerance for bullying now, and have already stood up to those who do so.  This same principle applies to anybody; if an obstacle is in the way of your success, give it your all at overcoming that obstacle.  Colonel Jack H. Jacobs was able to save his company and fight off troops that drastically outnumbered his, moments after a mortar struck him within a few feet.  This serves as a reminder that the everyday challenges people face are actually smaller than they seem.  No legitimate hero ever reaches their status by doing nothing in the face of danger, lacking something to devote himself to, or quitting.  They have to display fortitude that overcomes any fear held; the selflessness to assist whatever they see needs help, and the drive to do their best despite hardships they face.