Colonel Jack H. Jacobs is a living testament to courage, resilience, and service. A Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam War, Jacobs's story stretches far beyond the battlefield. From humble beginnings in New York to his decorated military service and distinguished civilian career, he remains a guiding voice on leadership, sacrifice, and patriotism.
Early Life and Struggles: Jack Howard Jacobs was born on August 2, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family with roots in Greece, Poland, and Romania. Growing up in Queens, near LaGuardia Airport, he experienced the American melting pot firsthand. During the mid-1950s, his family moved to Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, where he later graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1962. His upbringing, marked by cultural diversity and perseverance, laid the foundation for the tenacity he would exhibit later in life.
After high school, Jacobs enrolled at Rutgers University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts. His participation in the university’s Army ROTC program set him on the path to military service, and in 1966, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Military Enlistment and Heroics: Jacobs’s military career was both broad and impactful. He served with distinction in the 82nd Airborne Division, the 7th Infantry Division, and later commanded a battalion in the 10th Infantry Regiment in Panama. However, it was during his two tours in Vietnam, particularly his first in Kien Phong Province with the Military Assistance Command, that his heroism became most evident.
Serving as an advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN), Jacobs faced grueling conditions and fierce enemy resistance. By 1968, he had risen to the role of assistant battalion advisor to the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.
Defining Moment: On March 9, 1968, Jacobs's unit was ambushed by a heavily fortified Viet Cong force. As the situation deteriorated under intense machine gun and mortar fire, the company commander was incapacitated, and the unit faltered. Though wounded by mortar fragments in the head and arms—injuries that impaired his vision—Jacobs took command.
Risking his life repeatedly, he dragged wounded soldiers to safety across open rice paddies under heavy fire. He personally rescued the disabled company commander, a fellow advisor, and a dozen allied troops. On three occasions, he encountered and fought off enemy squads alone, killing or wounding several. His extraordinary bravery restored the unit’s ability to fight and saved multiple lives. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon.
Post-War Life and Career: Despite the recognition, Jacobs was determined to continue serving in combat and had to use strategic maneuvering to return to Vietnam. He eventually retired from the Army in 1987 as a colonel. Along the way, he taught international relations at West Point and served at the National War College.
Jacobs transitioned to the private sector with equal distinction. He became a successful investment banker, founding AutoFinance Group, which was later sold to KeyBank. He then joined Bankers Trust as a managing director and now serves as a principal of The Fitzroy Group in London.
In addition to his business ventures, Jacobs remains an influential public voice. He is a military analyst for NBC and MSNBC, has written two books—If Not Now, When? and Basic—and speaks frequently on military and leadership topics. He continues to serve on the boards of several military organizations, including the Medal of Honor Foundation and the National World War II Museum.
Military Awards and Decorations: Colonel Jacobs’s military honors reflect the depth of his service and sacrifice:
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Medal of Honor
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2 Silver Stars
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3 Bronze Star Medals (1 with "V" device for valor)
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2 Purple Hearts
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Legion of Merit
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Meritorious Service Medal
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Air Medal
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Army Commendation Medal
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Combat Infantryman Badge
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Basic Parachutist Badge
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Multiple service and campaign medals from both the U.S. and the Republic of Vietnam
His Medal of Honor citation commends him for “gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of military service,” underscoring his valor and lifesaving leadership under fire.
Jack H. Jacobs is more than a decorated war hero—he is a symbol of perseverance, leadership, and quiet strength. From the chaos of Vietnam’s battlefields to the polished corridors of financial institutions, and now as a commentator and educator, Jacobs continues to influence and inspire. His life reminds us that true heroism often lies in selfless service, done not for recognition, but for duty, country, and the lives of others.