Decorated Vietnam War aviator addresses crowd at Memorial Day ceremony in Sikeston

SIKESTON — One of the most decorated Marine Corps aviators of the Vietnam War addressed those in attendance of Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Sikeston Veterans Park.

Honored guest and speaker was Col. Jack Jackson, who is the recipient of 33 air medals, four distinguished flying cross and the Navy commendation for valor.

Local veterans from the American Legion and VFW along with the Sikeston Veterans Park Committee also participated in the service. Melissa Rhodes performed the National Anthem, and Ethan Bartlett performed “Taps.”

Randy Hulshof (left) and his father, Francis Hulshof, listen to the speaker Monday at the Memorial Day service at Sikeston Veterans Park. Francis Hulshof is a Korean War veteran.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

Randy Hulshof (left) and his father, Francis Hulshof, listen to the speaker Monday at the Memorial Day service at Sikeston Veterans Park. Francis Hulshof is a Korean War veteran.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

During his combat tour in Vietnam, Jackson flew close air support to both Army and Marine Corps Infantry Units engaged in heavy contact with North Vietnamese Forces.

On one mission, Jackson’s helicopter was reportedly shot down by an enemy anti-aircraft fire and his chopper pancaked into a gully. After crashing, his crew was still receiving enemy fire when he realized one of his crew members was still trapped in the chopper. Despite the intense fire, Jackson raced back to the chopper to rescue the crew member.

After his active duty service, Jackson remained in the Corps Reserve but was called back by the Marines to active duty during Desert Storm I to train pilots on how to fly the Harrier Jump Jet.

Melissa Rhodes sings the National Anthem during the Memorial Day service Monday at Sikeston Veterans Park.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

Melissa Rhodes sings the National Anthem during the Memorial Day service Monday at Sikeston Veterans Park.Bob Greenlee/Standard Democrat

As a civilian, Jackson was the chief test pilot for Boeing in St. Louis and was responsible for flying and evaluating jet fire aircraft built by Boeing for U.S. military. During one test flight, his plane malfunctioned over the Missouri Ozarks and was forced to bail out, sustaining shrapnel in his eyes from ejection.

Jackson went on to serve four years in the Missouri House of Representatives and has written an autobiography called “Way Beyond the Blue.”