Military Service and Sacrifice
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Marvin Jackson, a native of Terry, Mississippi, enlisted in the Marines in May 1969. After boot camp, his first and last duty station was Da Nang, South Vietnam. He oversaw twenty-six men, and they traveled by helicopter to and from enemy lines.
In April 1970, his platoon’s mission was to travel by helicopter to a location and secure the perimeter for another helicopter arriving in the area. His helicopter did not land, which was not unusual because of the possibility of land mines, booby traps, and enemy forces. Instead, it hovered about twenty feet above the ground, and Sgt. Jackson’s platoon jumped to the ground to secure the area.
When he jumped, he landed on a punji stick. Punji sticks are approximately three feet long and are most associated with tactics used by the Viet Cong. These sharpened stakes of bamboo, wood, or metal were used as hidden traps in camouflaged areas, shallow pits, or dense vegetation to wound the feet or lower legs of opposing forces.
The stick penetrated Sgt. Jackson’s lower right leg and lodged near the inside of his knee. Although his adrenaline was surging, the pain was almost unbearable. He was rushed back to the compound, where he received medical attention.
One Marine lost his life during the mission. The commanding officer sent word back to the United States and mistakenly informed Sgt. Jackson’s family that he was the one who had been killed. When he was well enough, he was sent home so his family could see him and know that he was still alive. Sgt. Jackson was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.
Returning to Vietnam
In May 1970, Sgt. Jackson was sent back to Da Nang. Upon his arrival, preparations were made for him to rejoin his platoon. As soon as the helicopter landed, they came under enemy fire. Less than twenty-four hours after returning to the country, Sgt. Jackson was wounded again in a surprise attack.
Although those aboard the helicopter returned fire, Sgt. Jackson was struck by a barrage of gunfire from an AK-47. He sustained at least six bullet wounds to his hip, arm, side, and chest. One bullet grazed his heart. Several Marines lost their lives in the gunfight. When asked whether he was experiencing pain, Sgt. Jackson said that he did not feel anything.
Medical personnel stabilized him and rushed him back to the compound. He was then transported to Japan for extensive medical treatment. He did not return to Vietnam. Instead, he was transferred to Pensacola, Florida, for further treatment and was later medically discharged.
Sgt. Jackson received his second Purple Heart for his injuries. He served this country with valor, dedication, and distinction.
Giving Back Through AASP
The interview then turned to All American Service Persons (AASP). Marvin Jackson was one of the organization’s three founders.
When asked what AASP means to him, Sgt. Jackson stated, “AASP is a way of giving back to our service members and to the community. We may not have been together during our military service or served in the same place, but we come together for a common cause. We donate to the five veterans’ nursing homes in Mississippi each year, as well as to the Vet Center. We cook and feed veterans and their families on Veterans Day. All that means a whole lot to me.”
Marvin added, “The AASP organization is a way to keep veterans informed regarding matters of importance to them. We can also, from time to time, make a monetary donation to a veteran in need.”
He said he never would have imagined that AASP would come this far as a local organization. He then reflected on how it began.
“The organization got started with just a few Marines coming together to have a beer. Then we put money in the pot to buy drinks and food, and the money began to grow. We discovered that we had a few dollars left from our time together and wanted to give that money away. A few years went by, and then we organized AASP into a 501(c)(3) organization. We began supporting veterans in nursing homes and feeding veterans and their families on Veterans Day.”
Advice for Fellow Veterans
My last question to Marvin was what advice he would give veterans today.
“Active-duty service members should make sure that any sickness, injuries, or pain they experience are documented in their medical records. This will help with claims in the future. Veterans who are out of service should never give up on seeking full service-connected disability pay.
“All veterans should join a veterans’ organization, whether it is the VFW, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, or another group, as these organizations fight for all that veterans deserve.”