Jacksel M. Broughton Air Force Cross citation

COLONEL

JACKSEL M. BROUGHTON

AIR FORCE

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action over North Vietnam on 5 February 1967. On that date, Colonel Broughton was Mission Commander of a flight of a two wing F-105 Thunderchief strike force which attacked a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite serious aircraft malfunctions, marginal weather, and grave damage to his aircraft from an exploding surface-to-air missile, he placed his armament directly on target, scattering fire and debris which illuminated the target for easy acquisition by the following strike force. Disregarding the crippled condition of his aircraft, which minimized his chances for recovery to friendly territory, Colonel Broughton then willfully acted as a decoy to divert hostile aircraft approaching the strike force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Colonel Broughton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Born: Jan. 4, 1925 in Attica, N.Y…. Graduated U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Class of 1945… Commanded the Thunderbirds aerobatic demonstration team from Oct. 1954 to Feb. 1957… Served multiple tours during the Korean and Vietnam Wars… Also awarded two Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nine Air Medals… Retired as colonel in 1968