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Commando awarded Bronze Star for Iraq Tour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A technical sergeant from the 1st Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron was awarded a Bronze Star during an award ceremony at the vehicle maintenance compound at Hurlburt Field Dec. 1.

Tech. Sgt. Dameon Jackson, an equipment support supervisor, served as convoy commander of the U.S. Army's 70th Medium Truck Detachment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sergeant Jackson led a joint force of Airmen, Soldiers and foreign nationals that escorted hundreds of transport systems throughout Iraq from Oct. 7, 2008 to May 1, 2009.

According to the award's narrative, Sergeant Jackson ensured the safe delivery of more than 26 thousand tons of supplies, equipment, weapons and ammunition to 23 forward operating bases. His detachment achieved a 99 percent vehicle mission readiness rate, well above the Army's 90 percent standard and the best in Joint Logistics Task Force 28.

"Although I was commanding the detachment, the effort was a culmination of everything my team put forward, and I'm proud of that," Sergeant Jackson said.

One mission detailed in the narrative included when Sergeant Jackson's convoy came under small arms fire from insurgents. He quickly implemented tactics and procedures that allowed his team to gain fire superiority and clear the area.

"My decisions were based on what we learned in training, and it made me feel good to know that all that training paid off when we needed it most," Sergeant Jackson said.

Despite his convoy sustaining six direct hits during that encounter, he completed the tour with no casualties or combat losses under his command.

"If you combined all 10 of the convoys he led, the distance would total nearly half a million miles throughout Iraq," said Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. "This is very impressive, but also a heroic achievement."

Colonel Lengyel presented the Bronze Star to Sergeant Jackson in a ceremony attended by members of the 1st SOLRS and members of his family.

"This award is not an easy one to get the longer a conflict goes on," Colonel Lengyel said, while presenting the medal. "This is certainly something he should be proud of, and, as wing commander, I'm proud to have him here at Hurlburt Field."

Sergeant Jackson said he felt good about receiving the award, but emphasized the contributions of his convoy.

"This award kind of sets me aside and I appreciate that, but most importantly, this was a team effort. And we did a great job."