My dad, Capt. Jack, as his men referred to him, was killed just after the Crossing of the Roer River in Germany.

On 9/15/1913, Earl L Jackson was the second son born to Doss and Ida Tope Jackson in Makanda, IL. His dad passed away at an early age and his mother raised six children of her own, plus some stepchildren. She was a "GOLD STAR" mom, having lost a son, stepson, and son-in-law to World War II.

Dad married my mom, Geneva Daniels in 1931. I was born in 1937, the third and youngest child of their marriage. I have no memories of my dad before he was a soldier. Because my sister and brother were older, they remember more of him before and after he became a soldier. I always envied them of their memories of our dad. They were old enough to write and receive letters from him while he was overseas. Most of my memories consist of a soldier my mom and I visited while he was stationed in the States. I was under school age and was privileged to travel with my mom to the various bases where he was stationed while my sister and brother remained with grandmothers. I had to reacquaint myself with him each visit since those visits were so far apart.

Dad's Military career began as a full time adjutant in the Illinois National Guard. I recall times he took me to the Armory with him and let me play around his office. He entered the Army in 1941. During his leaves and our visits with him he always helped me search his duffel bag for his garrison cap and then placed it on my head. On one of his leaves before he was shipped overseas he visited school one entire day with each of his three children. Each of us had our own school day with our dad. I was in the first grade and recall how very proud I was of walking to school with my dad in his full military uniform. He sat in the back of the classroom the whole day observing my class work. That day was probably my last memory of seeing my dad.

I was 8 years old when my family received the news of his death. I don't recall the moment it was delivered, but I do recall my sister and brother who were ages 13 and 12 being so sad and crying. It was much later when I realized he was gone forever. I missed not having my dad around while growing up. His picture always had its place on our living room wall and so many times I talked to that picture and told him how much I missed and needed him.

"I still miss you daddy. I am so proud of you and I know you would be so proud of your three children and all your grandchildren. The following are some things we know about you: You were awarded the Bronze Star for Valor before you were killed, which would be your most prestigious decoration. Next would be the Purple Heart, which was awarded upon your death. If you had survived, you would have been awarded other lesser decorations such as the WWII Victory Medal, the European Service Medal and probably some others. Before your death you were awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, which is a very prestigious badge and is presented to all Infantrymen engaged in combat with a hostile enemy force. In one of your letters written to your mom you told her about the Combat Infantryman Badge that you were so proud of. You probably were not aware of your Bronze Star due to it being awarded for some action shortly before your death.

I learned from men you served with how fair you were, how you were so well respected and how you grieved while writing those families of the fallen under your command. I know how you wished to be buried in a National Cemetery upon your death. I also know how you would have wanted the best for your mom. She wanted you buried in her family plot and that is why your body was moved from the Netherlands American Cemetery in the village of Margraten to her family plot in Illinois. I know you loved your country and your family. I feel your presence each time I see our American Flag waving in the wind, at every parade and each time I hear one of your favorite war tunes: "I'll be seeing you" and "White Cliffs of Dover." I know it would please you to see our flag fly proudly in your honor on Veteran's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Flag Day.

Your family will never forget you and you will live on through your children and grandchildren in this wonderful United States of America which you served and for which you paid the ultimate price. I know how proud you would be to have this tribute to your courage included along with all these other courageous dads who also paid with their lives."