This Military Service Page was created/owned by
MAJ Mark E Cooper
to remember
Jackson, Larry E., MSG.
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Died on 25 April 1981. Larry was born 12 July 1939 in Riverside, California where he attended school until entering the service in September 1958. He served in numerous airborne units and saw combat as a member of the 1st Cavalry Division before joining Special Forces in November 1967. Larry began his Special Forces service as a Light Weapons Specialist in Special Forces Training Group and was promoted to SFC (E-7) while serving with the 5th Group in Vietnam in 1969. After returning to Fort Bragg, he was assigned to the SF Detachment, USA Institute for Military Assistance where he began service that lasted for over 9 years as a Military Freefall Instructor. He was promoted to MSG (E-8) on 24 Aug 1977 and retired from active duty on 31 January 1981. Larry joined the Special Forces Association as a decade member on 1 November 1980. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal (7 Awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Civic Action Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Republic of Vietnam Jump Wings. Larry was a dedicated professional. We were stunned by his passing. He is survived by his wife Gisela, and two children, Larry and Patricia.
1969-1978, 11Z50, US Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance
US Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance Details
In May 1969, the Center was renamed the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Center for Military Assistance, and the School was renamed the U.S. Army Institute for Military Assistance.
The 1980s were a period of revitalization and transformation for ARSOF, and the Center was deeply involved in this process. In 1982, it became an independent TRADOC activity, under the name U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center. Concurrently, the Army activated 1st Special Operations Command, which assumed command of operational ARSOF units, allowing the Center to focus on special operations training and doctrine.