1ST LT. ROLAND B. JACKSON, DSC Recipient

[usmcraidergirl]

I thought I would share the following piece with you. Yes, I know, it is not Marine Corp (sorry guys!). Nevertheless, I thought some folks here might like seeing it...

 

 

This is yet another one of those "stripped" pieces - sort of. The patches were in place and so was the tailor label (with his name - thank God!). But, one could sell the wholes for the insignia. At $50 my friend Mark took a chance on it. And boy did that pay off. Just looking at it, you can tell it has a bit of spice with the patches. That is the first clue this veteran was really proud of his service. So, after snagging it for $50 the research began. It didn't take long before we found that it was a "diamond" in the rough.

 

Sadly, the National Personnel Records Center no longer has that information. So, what does one do? One should never fear. With time and the help of a good friend (and fellow board member Mark M), the proper items were restored so this pilot may get the credit he deserves...

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

The following uniform belonged to ROLAND B. JACKSON.

 

Roland Bruce Jackson was born some time in 1924. I believe the specifics dates were that he was born on May 11, 1924 in Ashland, New Hampshire. He joined the Army Air Forces in approximately late 1942.

 

Then 2nd Lt. Roland Jackson was assigned (approximately Nov 11, 1944) to the 12th Air Force, 57 Bomb Wing (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), 446th BS. This unit was typically comprised of about 95 officers and 350 enlisted. It was assigned to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and outfitted with B-25's.

 

Here is the squadron patch that depicts Bugs Bunny on top of a bomb with a six shooter in hand:

 

Roland originally shows up in the rosters in Nov. 1944 as a Co-Pilot on "Sweet Sue Kathy Jeanne" (A/C No. 43-27501) and later in early 1945 as a Co-Pilot for "Princess" (formerly "Princess Paola II") (A/C No. 43-27496).

 

"Sweet Sue Kathy Jeanne"

 

"Princess Paola II"

 

Around April 1945, 2nd Lt. Jackson became 1st Lt. Jackson and was assigned "Pilot" of his own aircraft. On Sunday, April 1, 1945, 1st Lt. Jackson is listed as the pilot of "Darlene" (an aircraft previously named "Tiny" with A/C No. 43-4097). The plane ran into some trouble during a mission on Sunday, April 8, 1945 so the crew was transferred to "Stormy Weather." (A/C No. 43-4077, Tail No. 43). "Darlene" returned on April 18, 1945. And, not to forget about some of the others that served with Roland, the following is a list of "Darlene"'s crew members (not included April 25, 1945 list below):

 

2nd Lt. John C. Rooker, CO-PILOT (later 2nd Lt. Glenn W. Huntsley and 2nd Lt. Ralph L. Sykes)

Sgt. John J. Reda, BOMBARDIER

S/Sgt. Harold W. Freeman, ENGINEER-GUNNER

Sgt. James M. Taylor, RADIO-GUNNER

S/Sgt. Alex E. Slezak, GUNNER (later S/Sgt. Chester S. Anderson and Sgt. George W. Darnielle)

 

Here is a picture of Gunner S/Sgt. Alex Slezak I was able to find. (If anyone has pictures of any other crewman or Roland, I would greatly appreciate you posting that information):

 

 

And last but not least, here is "Darlene":

 

According to the 446th BS, Roland received the following valor decorations for his service:

 

Distinguished Service Cross

- April 25, 1945 (GO #60)

Distinguished Flying Cross - May 1945 (GO #94)

Air Medal

- Jan 1945 (GO #5)

 

Roland served with the squadron until June 1, 1945 when he was transferred to 515th Air Service Group. He returned to the United States in late 1945, just in time to get married on December 8, 1945.

 

It is my understanding Roland remained in the United State Air Force through the 1960s where he flew a variety of planes. He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Maine Air National Guard some time in the late 1960s. I believe he passed away from heart failure on September 19, 1986 in Augusta, Maine.

 

 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS ACTION - APRIL 25, 1945.

 

The following is a typed version of the Distinguished Service Cross citation. It is a brief recitation of a very scary ordeal for all involved. (Please see more detailed explanation following citation.)

 

First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

Roland B. Jackson

, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the

Distinguished Service Cross

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in aerial combat against enemy forces on 25 April 1945, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. First Lieutenant Jackson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

 

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 60 (1945)

 

Action Date: 25-Apr-45

 

Service: Army Air Forces

 

Rank: First Lieutenant

 

Again, this is only a synopsis of what occurred that day. The squadron history tells more.

 

April 25, 1945 was a scheduled mission over Cavarzere, Italy. The specific target was Cavarzere Road Bridge (Squadron Mission 609). The scheduled payload would be 500 pound bombs. According to log books, it was not considered to be one of the "important missions" for the month. It was merely suppose to be an uneventful bombing run to support the British Eighth Army and other allied forces pushing through the region.

 

That day Roland is listed as the Pilot for A/C No. 43-4074 (Tail #37) that was adorned with the airwork of a seated lady (name unknown). I believe it was aircraft 2 in the formation of 9.

 

Here is what plane #43-4074 looked like and the artwork that the bomber art was modeled after. This picture was taken by Rockey Milano and is on the 57th Bomb Group website. The picture was taken while it was flow by Capt. Ingram circa March 1945. Capt. Ingram flew 43-4074 in February and March 1945. Roland took command of the plane in April.

 

 

 

The crew list that day was the following:

 

PILOT: 2ndLt Roland B. Jackson

CO-PILOT: (unknown)

BOMBARDIER: Sgt. Robert M. Lattin

ENGINEER-GUNNER: S/Sgt. Joseph N. Dalpos

RADIO-GUNNER: S/Sgt. Henry J. Nichols III

GUNNER: Sgt. George W. Darnielle

 

The first flight was led by Captain Kendall. This pass netted only bombs on the west side of the bridge. The Germans on the ground apparently realized the target and the fact the first pass missed. By the time the second pass came around, the deadly flak was ready.

 

Roland and the second flight pushed further and further through "intense flak." It was described as some of the most intense they had experienced in months. Heading towards the target, Roland's plane took a direct hit. Then again and again. To the shock of neighboring airmen, Roland continued flying. The massive amount of flak eventually caused the bombing run to be called off. Roland then turned his crippled plane towards friendly skies.

 

Smoke bellowed out. It was believed by fellow airmen (both in neighboring planes and apparently on Roland's plane) that the plane was going to explode mid-air - or at least go down prior to the return home. One account indicates that Roland told crew he would stay with the plane and get them home. The logs record 3 airmen, including gunner Sgt. George William "Bill" Darnielle of Scotland, Missouri (ASN 17136486) lept out. Fellow airmen watch in horror as Sgt. Darnielle's parachute failed to open. The 20 year old gunner fell to his death.

 

Roland's plane limped for what seemed like an eternity back to friendly skies. Suddenly they spotted a friendly air base. Airmen at the base could hear the bomber sputtering down, as Roland attempted to maintain control of the plane for landing. Sparks flying, flames bellowing, Roland's plane touches down with a loud, fiery boom. Ground crew rushed to the plane to pull Roland and the remaining airmen from the wreckage. Just moments after they were removed, the plane exploded.

 

Lucky to be alive, the remaining crew returned to their squadron. Sgts. Dalpos, Nichols, and Lattin all received the Purple Heart for their injuries (listed as "minor"). And the pilot, 1st Lt. Roland B. Jackson was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross.

 

 

NOTE: A special thanks to the 57thBombWing (http://www.57thbombwing.com) and its members for providing all the great documentation.

[usmcraidergirl]

And now for more uniform pictures...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy it! (And if you have something to add, such as history, pictures, etc. please feel free to.) :thumbsup:

 

Raidergirl

(or maybe today "AirCorpGirl")

[Sabrejet]

An outstanding piece of research...thanks for sharing it!

 

Sabrejet :thumbsup:

[Mark M]

USMCRaiderGirl

 

Nice to see this again in its restored state! Well done on both the uniform and research!

 

Regards,

 

Mark

[usmcraidergirl]

USMCRaiderGirl

 

Nice to see this again in its restored state! Well done on both the uniform and research!

 

Regards,

 

Mark

 

 

Couldn't have done it without you!

[Kurt Barickman]

Great job Mark and Raidergirl :thumbsup: Its a beauty and I don't even collect AAC!

 

Kurt Barickman

[BigJohn#3RD]

Raider Girl and Mark,

Great find and research.

Regards,

John

[KASTAUFFER]

WOW ...... Love it!!!!!

[TLeo]

Great work on it!

[bobgee]

Very nice work! Great save and heroic story. Thanks.....Bobgee

[Cobrahistorian]

:drool2:

 

Absolutely outstanding! Great research and incredible MTO history!

 

Jon

[penbru]

I thought I would share the following piece with you. Yes, I know, it is not Marine Corp (sorry guys!). Nevertheless, I thought some folks here might like seeing it...

 

 

This is yet another one of those "stripped" pieces - sort of. The patches were in place and so was the tailor label (with his name - thank God!). But, one could sell the wholes for the insignia. At $50 my friend Mark took a chance on it. And boy did that pay off. Just looking at it, you can tell it has a bit of spice with the patches. That is the first clue this veteran was really proud of his service. So, after snagging it for $50 the research began. It didn't take long before we found that it was a "diamond" in the rough.

 

Sadly, the National Personnel Records Center no longer has that information. So, what does one do? One should never fear. With time and the help of a good friend (and fellow board member Mark M), the proper items were restored so this pilot may get the credit he deserves...

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

The following uniform belonged to ROLAND B. JACKSON.

 

Roland Bruce Jackson was born some time in 1924. I believe the specifics dates were that he was born on May 11, 1924 in Ashland, New Hampshire. He joined the Army Air Forces in approximately late 1942.

 

Then 2nd Lt. Roland Jackson was assigned (approximately Nov 11, 1944) to the 12th Air Force, 57 Bomb Wing (M), 321st Bombardment Group (M), 446th BS. This unit was typically comprised of about 95 officers and 350 enlisted. It was assigned to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and outfitted with B-25's.

 

Here is the squadron patch that depicts Bugs Bunny on top of a bomb with a six shooter in hand:

 

Roland originally shows up in the rosters in Nov. 1944 as a Co-Pilot on "Sweet Sue Kathy Jeanne" (A/C No. 43-27501) and later in early 1945 as a Co-Pilot for "Princess" (formerly "Princess Paola II") (A/C No. 43-27496).

 

"Sweet Sue Kathy Jeanne"

 

"Princess Paola II"

 

Around April 1945, 2nd Lt. Jackson became 1st Lt. Jackson and was assigned "Pilot" of his own aircraft. On Sunday, April 1, 1945, 1st Lt. Jackson is listed as the pilot of "Darlene" (an aircraft previously named "Tiny" with A/C No. 43-4097). The plane ran into some trouble during a mission on Sunday, April 8, 1945 so the crew was transferred to "Stormy Weather." (A/C No. 43-4077, Tail No. 43). "Darlene" returned on April 18, 1945. And, not to forget about some of the others that served with Roland, the following is a list of "Darlene"'s crew members (not included April 25, 1945 list below):

 

2nd Lt. John C. Rooker, CO-PILOT (later 2nd Lt. Glenn W. Huntsley and 2nd Lt. Ralph L. Sykes)

Sgt. John J. Reda, BOMBARDIER

S/Sgt. Harold W. Freeman, ENGINEER-GUNNER

Sgt. James M. Taylor, RADIO-GUNNER

S/Sgt. Alex E. Slezak, GUNNER (later S/Sgt. Chester S. Anderson and Sgt. George W. Darnielle)

 

Here is a picture of Gunner S/Sgt. Alex Slezak I was able to find. (If anyone has pictures of any other crewman or Roland, I would greatly appreciate you posting that information):

 

 

And last but not least, here is "Darlene":

 

According to the 446th BS, Roland received the following valor decorations for his service:

 

Distinguished Service Cross

- April 25, 1945 (GO #60)

Distinguished Flying Cross - May 1945 (GO #94)

Air Medal

- Jan 1945 (GO #5)

 

Roland served with the squadron until June 1, 1945 when he was transferred to 515th Air Service Group. He returned to the United States in late 1945, just in time to get married on December 8, 1945.

 

It is my understanding Roland remained in the United State Air Force through the 1960s where he flew a variety of planes. He retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Maine Air National Guard some time in the late 1960s. I believe he passed away from heart failure on September 19, 1986 in Augusta, Maine.

 

 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS ACTION - APRIL 25, 1945.

 

The following is a typed version of the Distinguished Service Cross citation. It is a brief recitation of a very scary ordeal for all involved. (Please see more detailed explanation following citation.)

 

First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

Roland B. Jackson

, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the

Distinguished Service Cross

for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in aerial combat against enemy forces on 25 April 1945, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. First Lieutenant Jackson's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

 

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 60 (1945)

 

Action Date: 25-Apr-45

 

Service: Army Air Forces

 

Rank: First Lieutenant

 

Again, this is only a synopsis of what occurred that day. The squadron history tells more.

 

April 25, 1945 was a scheduled mission over Cavarzere, Italy. The specific target was Cavarzere Road Bridge (Squadron Mission 609). The scheduled payload would be 500 pound bombs. According to log books, it was not considered to be one of the "important missions" for the month. It was merely suppose to be an uneventful bombing run to support the British Eighth Army and other allied forces pushing through the region.

 

That day Roland is listed as the Pilot for A/C No. 43-4074 (Tail #37) that was adorned with the airwork of a seated lady (name unknown). I believe it was aircraft 2 in the formation of 9.

 

Here is what plane #43-4074 looked like and the artwork that the bomber art was modeled after. This picture was taken by Rockey Milano and is on the 57th Bomb Group website. The picture was taken while it was flow by Capt. Ingram circa March 1945. Capt. Ingram flew 43-4074 in February and March 1945. Roland took command of the plane in April.

 

 

 

The crew list that day was the following:

 

PILOT: 2ndLt Roland B. Jackson

CO-PILOT: (unknown)

BOMBARDIER: Sgt. Robert M. Lattin

ENGINEER-GUNNER: S/Sgt. Joseph N. Dalpos

RADIO-GUNNER: S/Sgt. Henry J. Nichols III

GUNNER: Sgt. George W. Darnielle

 

The first flight was led by Captain Kendall. This pass netted only bombs on the west side of the bridge. The Germans on the ground apparently realized the target and the fact the first pass missed. By the time the second pass came around, the deadly flak was ready.

 

Roland and the second flight pushed further and further through "intense flak." It was described as some of the most intense they had experienced in months. Heading towards the target, Roland's plane took a direct hit. Then again and again. To the shock of neighboring airmen, Roland continued flying. The massive amount of flak eventually caused the bombing run to be called off. Roland then turned his crippled plane towards friendly skies.

 

Smoke bellowed out. It was believed by fellow airmen (both in neighboring planes and apparently on Roland's plane) that the plane was going to explode mid-air - or at least go down prior to the return home. One account indicates that Roland told crew he would stay with the plane and get them home. The logs record 3 airmen, including gunner Sgt. George William "Bill" Darnielle of Scotland, Missouri (ASN 17136486) lept out. Fellow airmen watch in horror as Sgt. Darnielle's parachute failed to open. The 20 year old gunner fell to his death.

 

Roland's plane limped for what seemed like an eternity back to friendly skies. Suddenly they spotted a friendly air base. Airmen at the base could hear the bomber sputtering down, as Roland attempted to maintain control of the plane for landing. Sparks flying, flames bellowing, Roland's plane touches down with a loud, fiery boom. Ground crew rushed to the plane to pull Roland and the remaining airmen from the wreckage. Just moments after they were removed, the plane exploded.

 

Lucky to be alive, the remaining crew returned to their squadron. Sgts. Dalpos, Nichols, and Lattin all received the Purple Heart for their injuries (listed as "minor"). And the pilot, 1st Lt. Roland B. Jackson was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross.

NOTE: A special thanks to the 57thBombWing (http://www.57thbombwing.com) and its members for providing all the great documentation.

[penbru]

Thank you for the article on my father Roland Bruce Jackson. We are not certain if this uniform is supposed to be his or not but we do know that his uniforms and a hat were "taken" without permission a few years ago. The article is a great summary of why he was decorated with the Distinquished Service Cross and Distinquished Flying Cross - all metals we have in our possession. He was very proud of his service and he continued to fly with the Maine Air National Guard until the late 1960's when he retired as a Lt. Colonel. His affiliation with the 57th Bomb Wing was some of his finest memories.

 

The children with him are his sons, Brian and Gary and myself Penny - photograph taken in the 1950's at the Augusta, Maine State Airport before the Air National Guard moved to Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine.

 

Your hard work and research is much appreciated and you did a wonderful job. Our family THANKS you -

 

Penny Jackson Pray - oldest child of Roland Bruce Jackson.

[gooseandspoons]

this is the first time I've seen this happen!

[67Rally]

USMCRaidergirl,

 

That is a fantastic example of why this forum (and the members) is so great! You did a beautiful job getting that uniform assembled and an amazing job getting the research together. History collected, preserved and shared.

 

Thank you for saving this! Glad to see the family appreciates the work despite the terrible loss of the pieces from the family's possession.

[penbru]

Some members of our family are wondering where the uniform is at this time - do you have possession of it or is it in a military museum somewhere. We would appreciate knowing so we make note of that and let other members of our extended family know the whereabouts. Thanks for your help. Again, your article is much appreciated.

Sincerely

Penny Jackson Pray - daughter of Lt. Col. Roland B. Jackson.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Great research work.

[usmcraidergirl]

Some members of our family are wondering where the uniform is at this time - do you have possession of it or is it in a military museum somewhere. We would appreciate knowing so we make note of that and let other members of our extended family know the whereabouts. Thanks for your help. Again, your article is much appreciated.

Sincerely

Penny Jackson Pray - daughter of Lt. Col. Roland B. Jackson.

 

 

Hello, Penny! Great to hear from you!

 

Yes, I still have the uniform and it's safe and sound. Most recently I used it in a Veteran's Day display for Army Air Force vets. Actually it turned out that everyone else that helped put up more gear related items and not uniforms. It definitely was a great learning tool for the vet's grandkids (and great grandkids!) and got the vets to talking. I think most family members were actually shocked to start hearing some stories.

 

Feel free to send me a private message if you would like.

 

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Christina

USMCRaiderGirl