Major Douglas T. Jacobson

Douglas Thomas Jacobson was born on November 25, 1925, in Rochester New York. He grew up in Port Washington Long Island and in January 1943, he joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17. By December 1943, he was assigned to the Pacific war zone as part of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. On February 26, 1945, Jacobson participated in one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2 for the Marines. During the battle of Iwo Jima, in what Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith called ''the most savage and the most costly battle in the history of the Marine Corps,” Jacobson fearlessly led his unit's charge toward the summit of Hill three eighty-two, a location so violent it was known as, “the meat grinder”. Hill three eighty-two, was a crucial Japanese stronghold used for field artillery and anti-tank positions. As the battle raged on, his company's anti-tank gunner was killed. Jacobson grabbed the bazooka and a satchel of explosives from the fallen marine. The bazooka was designed to be wielded by two men, but Jacobson carried it alone. First, he destroyed a 20-millimeter aircraft gun and wiped out its crew. Then he knocked out two machine-gun positions, two large blockhouses and seven rifle emplacements. After that, he destroyed a tank and continued his attack on blockhouses. At only 19 years old, Jacobson singlehandedly neutralized 16 enemy positions and annihilated approximately 75 Japanese fighters. His fearless actions led to the capture of Hill three eighty-two, and proved instrumental in the allied victory of Iwo Jima. On October 5, 1945, Jacobson's bravery was recognized, when President Harry S. Truman, personally presented him with the prestigious Medal of Honor at the White House. Following World War II, Jacobson reenlisted in April 1946. He later earned a commission as an officer in March 1954. Jacobson retired in 1967, but remained active in the veteran community, speaking with schools and veterans' groups about his experiences. On August 20, 2000, Douglas Jacobson passed away in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington Virginia. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Major Jacobson was decorated with several other honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze stars, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star. His legacy lives on through the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans' Nursing Home ,in Port Charlotte Florida, which was named in his honor.