William Jackson was born in Chicago, IL, on May 14, 1948. His family later moved to Jersey City, NJ, and later to Bayonne, NJ. His home of record is Bayonne, NJ.

He had been working as a chemical worker before entering the US Army and had expressed a desire to return to the chemical industry after his discharge from the service. Jackson attained the rank of Private (PVT). He served with Company C, 2nd Platoon, 3rd Regiment, 1st Battalion, 11th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

Jackson was on a patrol operation when his unit came under enemy fire. He was wounded and later died in a military field hospital on March 15, 1969, at the age of 20.

Jackson died just three weeks before he was scheduled to return from Vietnam. He had been in Southeast Asia just over 11 months. His parents were busy making plans to help him celebrate his 21st birthday in Bayonne when the Defense Department telegram arrived with the news of his death.

He was posthumously award Distinguished Service Cross.

He was survived by his parents, Eugene and Samella, and two sisters.

Sources: Newspaper clippings and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024