Richard H. Jackson

Richard H. Jackson was a highly decorated United States Army aviator who attained the rank of major general. His distinguished career spanned over three decades, including combat service in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, and culminated in his command of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker. Jackson was a pivotal figure in modernizing Army Aviation and developing the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter program.

Early life and education

Jackson was born in Pensacola, Florida, and developed an early interest in aviation. He attended Auburn University, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He later furthered his military education at the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and the prestigious National War College in Washington, D.C.. His academic background provided a strong foundation in both technical and strategic military principles.

Military career

Jackson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1966 and began flight school at Fort Wolters and Fort Rucker, earning his aviator badge. He served multiple tours in the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot, flying combat missions in various aircraft. Following the war, he held key staff and command positions, contributing to aviation doctrine and training. During the Gulf War, Jackson commanded the aviation brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division, leading critical deep attack operations. His later assignments included serving as Director of Requirements at the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and as the Army's Program Executive Officer for Aviation, where he oversaw the fielding of the AH-64 Apache. His final command was as the commanding general of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker.

Post-military life and death

After retiring from the United States Army in 2000, Jackson remained active in the aviation community. He served in leadership roles within the Army Aviation Association of America and contributed to various defense advisory boards. He also worked as a consultant for aerospace firms, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, focusing on rotorcraft development. Jackson passed away and was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, recognized for his lasting impact on military aviation.

Awards and decorations

Jackson's exemplary service was recognized with numerous prestigious awards. His personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal. He was also awarded two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal. His combat service was denoted by the Combat Action Badge and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He also received various campaign and service medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal.

Category:United States Army generals Category:American military personnel of the Vietnam War Category:American military personnel of the Gulf War Category:United States Army aviators