Nelson P. Jackson
Nelson P. Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Pete |
| Born | December 26, 1910 Burlington, Vermont, United States |
| Died | November 13, 1960 (aged 49) Pendleton County, West Virginia, United States |
| Cause of death | Plane crash |
| Buried | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army (1933–1947) United States Air Force (1947–1954) |
| Years of service | 1933–1954 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands | 327th Fighter Group 64th Fighter Wing Operation Fitzwilliam |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Purple Heart Croix de Guerre Bronze Star Medal |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy |
Nelson Parkyn Jackson (December 26, 1910 – November 13, 1960) was a highly decorated U.S. Air Force colonel who commanded the 327th Fighter Group and the 64th Fighter Wing during World War II. He was also the chief of staff of I Fighter Command, where he played a key role in training pilots for combat and developing close air support tactics. After the war, he was involved in the formation of Strategic Air Command (SAC) as deputy chief of staff of the 15th Air Force and was actively involved in the US atomic energy program, participating in Operation Crossroads nuclear tests and commanding Operation Fitzwilliam.
Jackson later served as a NATO liaison officer within the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He went on to become the D.C. manager for GE's Atomic Energy Division and an attorney involved in the aerospace and nuclear industries. He was a founder and president of the National Space Club, which later established the Nelson P. Jackson Aerospace Memorial Award in his honor.