U.S. Army Col. Fred Orr Jackson from Fayetteville has been posthumously inducted into the 2015 class of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame for his numerous acts of valorous service and actions during World War II.
Upon the entry of his Country in World War II, and as a former member of the Georgia National Guard, Col. Jackson volunteer for active duty, and soon selected for and completed Officer Candidate School (OCS). As an Armor officer, Col. Jackson was immediately deployed to Europe and served with the 7th Armored Division throughout the war.
During his four years of combat, he was credited with destroying two German trucks and a personnel carrier, along with capturing a number of enemy soldiers. In still another battle, he was credited with playing a crucial role in knocking out a feared German “Tiger tank.”
During this timeframe, Col. Jackson and his unit rescued a downed P-47 pilot that had been shot down and was being aggressively pursued by the enemy. These acts of valor were accomplished with Col. Jackson’s use of a simple armored car.
For his valorous acts and heroism, Col. Jackson was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry while fighting in France; two Bronze Stars for valor while fighting in Belgium; and the Army Commendation Medal and the distinguished French Croix de Guerre.
Col. Jackson continued to serve his nation in uniform until retirement in 1967, and was inducted into the OCS Hall of Fame in 2008.
