02/13/2022
While under fire in the middle of a mass casualty event, Specialist Collin Jackson treated the wounded and performed CPR, then destroyed an ISIS position with a 60mm mortar.
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On August 16th 2017, SPC Jackson supported an Army Special Forces team patrolling with Afghan Commandos. The patrol came under attack and after 8 hours of fighting, sought cover in a compound to wait out the night. An explosion rocked the compound as the team entered, wounding 30 and killing 4. SPC Jackson dismounted his vehicle and ran toward the explosion. ISIS fighters resumed their attack with small arms and RPGs. Jackson ignored the heavy fire, consolidating the wounded in a casualty collection point and treating their wounds. At one point, he performed CPR on an American casualty in critical condition. When the wounded were staged for evacuation, Jackson ran back to his vehicle and pulled out his 60mm mortar. For over an hour, sitting in the open in front of the vehicle, Jackson fired mortars at ISIS positions surrounding the team. He dropped 6 rounds on top of a key ISIS position pinning the team down, destroying the enemy and helping to end the ambush. Jackson’s actions enabled the successful evacuation of 13 critically wounded casualties. For his heroic initiative, SPC Jackson was awarded the Bronze Star with “V”.
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