Elizabeth Jacobson

A1C Elizabeth Nicole Jacobson United States Air Force

U.S. Air Force File Photo
Born March 26, 1984(1984-03-26)
Orlando, Florida
Died September 28, 2005(2005-09-28) (aged 21)
near Safwan, Iraq
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Air Force
Years of service 2003–2005
Rank Airman First Class
Unit 17th Security Forces Squadron
586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
Battles/wars War in Iraq
Awards Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Combat Action Medal

Airman 1st Class (A1C) Elizabeth Jacobson (March 26, 1984 - September 28, 2005) was a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. She was the first female Airman killed in the line of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first Security Forces member killed in conflict since Vietnam.

On September 28, 2005 A1C Elizabeth Jacobson, 21, was providing security on a convoy originating from Camp Bucca, Iraq, when the vehicle she was riding in was hit by an improvised explosive device near the Iraqi town of Safwan. The explosion killed her and Army Sergeant Steve Morin Jr., 34 of Arlington, Texas. A third soldier who was manning the vehicles turret weapon was injured but survived the attack.

The Riviera Beach, Florida, native was assigned to the 17th Security Forces Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas and had deployed to Iraq as part of the 586th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. Airman Jacobson had been in the Air Force for two years and had been deployed to Iraq for more than three months.

Awards and Decorations

Air Force Security Police Badge
Force Protection Badge
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Air Force Achievement Medal
Air Force Combat Action Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold frame
Air Force Training Ribbon

Posthumous Recognition

At Lackland Air Force Base there is the Jacobson Training Facility for Security Force Members and the Library in the facility has numerous mementos from Elizabeth. The Museum on base also holds her in an honor position.

References

  1. ^ http://www.afspaeagle.com/NewsPublic/Jcoin.htm Eagle Chapter, Air Force Security Police Association : Jacobson Coin
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