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Maine man who served as a conscientious objector receives nation's third highest military honor

Go here for more photos of the ceremony.

At a ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree presented the Silver Star to Rob Jackson of Buxton, Maine, for his heroic actions saving the lives of his fellow soldiers during a fierce battle in 1970. Jackson, who joined the Army as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, repeatedly ran into enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers.

Although Jackson was awarded the Silver Star over forty years ago, he never accepted it. He said he didn't want to accept it because some of his fellow soldiers died in the battle, and he didn't think it appropriate to accept a medal at the time.

"Over the years I've thought a lot about what happened in Vietnam," he said. "And I came to believe that accepting the medal would complete the circle for me. I still think about my comrades who never came home that day and what their deaths did to their families. And I thought about them today when Congresswoman Pingree pinned that medal on me."

Jackson approached Congresswoman Pingree about getting the medal earlier this year. Her office, working with the Pentagon, obtained the Silver Star and three other commendations and arranged a ceremony this morning at the Vietnam War Memorial. Dozens of family members and visitors looked on as Pingree presented Jackson with the medals.

"He served our country bravely," Pingree said. " Rob is a humble man, and will always be the first to give credit to others, but today we want to recognize his service and his bravery. He is a hero and he deserves this honor."

Text of Silver Star citation presented to Jackson this morning:

Award of the Silver Star- Private First Class Robert Jackson, United States Army Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division

For gallantry in action: Private First Class Jackson distinguished himself by heroic actions on 15 October 1970, while serving as a medical aidman with Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. On the date cited above, elements of Company C were on a reconnaissance operation when they came under intense attack from a large enemy force. During the initial contact, several friendly casualties were sustained. The platoon leader and another man were among those wounded in the initial exchange, with both men being over twenty-five meters from the remainder of the element. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private Jackson unhesitatingly maneuvered under a hail of enemy machine gunfire to reach the wounded Soldiers and render first aid. As the contact continued, two more Soldiers were wounded and required immediate first aid.After moving one of the first casualties to the rear, Private Jackson againbraved the intense enemy fire to administer first aid to his comrades who had just been wounded. Private Jackson then personally directed the prompt medical evacuation of all wounded personnel. His valorous actions were responsible for saving the lives of several fellow Soldiers. The bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty exhibited by Private Jackson are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.