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U S Army Specialist 4, Infantryman, Company B, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 502nd Infantry,
Otis E. Jackson died November 10, 1966, in the Phu Yen Province, South Vietnam. Otis had volunteered to serve as point man for his platoon, and while leading his men through the jungle, he spotted six North Vietnamese soldiers on an overhanging ledge, preparing to ambush the platoon. Realizing he had no time to warn his comrades, Otis charged toward the ledge, firing his weapon. While rushing the position, he was struck by an enemy bullet and died instantly. His actions warned his comrades and enabled them to prevent the ambush and kill the enemy soldiers. His body was recovered.
Otis was survived by his wife, Lana, and a daughter he had never seen.
Otis was posthumously awarded both a Purple Heart and the Silver Star for Valor.
Baldwin Park High Class of 1964 salutes our classmate, Otis Jackson. Rest in peace.
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James Killian
Otie, died at age of 20 while serving his country in the 101 St ABN DIV, USARV. He was an Infantryman (Airborne Qualifed). He died of hostilie fire as a ground casuality from gun or small arms fire on 11/10/1966. His body was recoverd from the Phu Yen Province, So. Vietnam. At the time he was survived by Wife Lana, and daughter, Laurie he never lived to see. His name is on the wall. May he rest peacefully with my Thanks for his service to me and his Country.
James Killian
Carolynne Horton HorneckerMy best childhood friend
simi valley, ca., 93063, usa
I will never, have another friend, like you. I miss you, every day. It was always you and me, from tiny little kids thru high school, in Baldwin Park, California, in that wonderful world, of the 50's, without a care in the world. I learned, that a girl could have, a boy best friend to talk to, play every day with, run with and most of all, laugh with. You taught me, so many things, least of all how to whistle, like no body else I know. learn and sing, all the words to country songs, by practicing, how to walk through a dairy and not step in poo, how to throw cow patties and hit something and the most important of all, you accepted me, as as peer when it was not accepted to have a "girl" to hang around with and we had the most fun together, all those years and I never lose my gratitude, or appreciation of what a huge difference, you made in one girls life, just by being you. I often think, of you and wish, we had more time. could talk about our grand kids and laugh about our days, of cowboys and cowgirls. I was closer to you, than my own brothers and feel your loss, like no other. I'll hope to meet you, in the big pasture, God has planned for us. Thank you, for all you have given me, I hope, I gave enough to you, in your short time on earth. Happy Trails, To you. we have given up, a really good one. Always, Carolynne
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Barbara McAllister (Holmes)
I remember, vividly, the morning I opened the newspaper and saw Otie's picture in his military uniform. It was 1966 and the Vietnam war was taking a toll. News of our military men and women killed was all too frequent. Now it was someone close to me. My immediate reaction was, "Oh No!" Tears welled up in my eyes. The Beach Boy's song "Good Vibrations" was playing on the radio. Nothing could be further from what I was feeling at that time. My husband was standing next to me and knew what I was reacting to. He didn't know Otie but attended BPHS too and thought I might know who this was. I most certainly did.
Otie and I began first grade together at Elwin Elementary School. We had many good times in the classroom and on the playground. He always made us kids, & sometimes teachers, laugh. We went through school together, not necessarily in the same classes but we crossed each other's path daily until we graduated from high school. Little did I know I would never see him alive again.
I attended Otie's funeral and said my goodbye. I also visited the Vietnam War Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. and made a rubbing of his name.
I considered Otie a good friend. I have often wondered what kind of life he might have had. I know he had a child but I didn't know, until recently, that he had not seen her before he left for Vietnam. I'm sorry she never got to know her father and how much he added to others lives.
Barbara McAllister (Holmes)
Susan Branek (Tyra)
As the date of November 22, approaches, I am also remembering Otie. It was between classes 50 years ago. He was the one that told me JFK had been shot. I was also at his funeral, who would have realized at the time he would have been taken from us so soon.
His daughter's name is Laurie.
Cheryl Travis (Huff)
Otie was a great friend, and we all knew he was special, his actions proved it. I remember my Mom reading the artical about his death, my reaction was NO, not Otie. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Cheryl Travis Huff
Mary Magdaleno (Pollack)
I never knew Otis, but over the years wondered how he had died. It gave me chills to learn it happened in Viet Nam; that while the rest of us were enjoying our lives, he was among the many who made that enjoyment possible.
Mary Magdaleno Pollack
Peggy (Van Buskirk) Munden (Clark)
always had a crush on odie...he never noticed but he would come up to me once in a while and say...so and so likes you! RIP....
Beverly Bollinger (Jacoby)
Otis was the first guy I ever danced with. Mrs. Rogers' sixth grade class. I was a little taller than Otis at the time, but when you are eleven years old, who cares? One of my best memories.