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In Memory of Army Pfc.

Michael Meredith Jackson

Waubay, South Dakota, Day County

August 29, 1944 - March 24, 1966

Died from small arms fire in South Vietnam

 

Michael Meredith Jackson was born in Sisseton, South Dakota on August 29, 1944, to Hilda Henrietta (Deer) and True S. Jackson. He had two brothers: Gary Lovejoy and Wayne Thennis, and one sister, Candace (Connie) Thennis. Michael attended Enemy Swim Day School near Waubay, South Dakota and the Flandreau Indian High School, graduating in 1963. While in school, Michael participated in cross-country and track. Michael moved to California after graduation.

Michael Jackson was drafted in August of 1965, and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He went on to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to complete a medical aidman course. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on February 9, 1966, attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

Pfc. Michael Meredith Jackson was killed on March 24, 1966 by small arms fire while on a search and destroy mission. Pfc. Jackson was buried at St. James Episcopal Church in Enemy Swim, South Dakota. The park in Waubay is named Surma-Jackson Memorial Park, after Pfc. Michael Jackson and Steve Surma, both Waubay casualties of the Vietnam War. Pfc. Michael Meredith Jackson’s name can be found on Panel 06E, Line 044 of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Matt Scott, 8th Grade, Stanley County Middle School, Fort Pierre, South Dakota, February 18, 2006 respectfully submitted this entry. Information for this entry was gathered from news clippings from the Webster Reporter and with information provided by Linda M. Walters, Editor, Waubay Clipper, Waubay, South Dakota.