Retired MG Joseph N. "Jim" Jaggers Jr. played a key role in fostering Army aviation as a combat commander, developing tactical doctrine, fielding the Cobra gunship and in the procurement of the Advanced Attack Helicopter.

            After commanding a rifle company in the Korean War, Jaggers earned his wings in 1957 and then organized and commanded the Army's first experimental Aerial Reconnaissance and Security Troop at Fort Benning, Ga.

            In Vietnam, he commanded the 68th Aviation Company (later re-designated as the 197th Avn. Co.), which evolved from the legendary Utility Tactical Transport Helicopter Company.

            Never content to relegate the most difficult and dangerous combat tasks to subordinate commanders, Jaggers always set the example through sustained and consistent acts of personal bravery.

            His near-single handed orchestration of a major airmobile operation in the Hau Nghia province, near the village of Duc Hoa, resulted in the 197th Avn. Co. being recognized for conspicuous bravery and was awarded the first Presidential Unit Citation of the Vietnam War in May 1965.

            He developed "cardinal rules" for armed helicopter tactical employment, the basis for a then new Army field manual.

            Between Vietnam tours, Jaggers was the Army Staff's special staff officer for the fielding of the AH-1G Cobra helicopter.

            Back to Vietnam, he commanded the 3rd Bn., 506th Infantry Regt. operating in the Central Highlands, and made a brilliant combat assault into Cambodia.

            Jaggers was assigned to Project MASSTER (mobile army sensor systems test, evaluation and review), where he directed key developmental tests involving aerial scouts with the intelligence devices.

            He then commanded the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cav. Division and later after promotion to brigadier general, Jaggers became the assistant division commander.

            His courage in combat earned him two Silver Stars, five Distinguished Flying Crosses and 45 Air Medals.

            Jaggers served as chairman of the Advanced Attack Helicopter Source Selection Board and then the chairman of the Target Acquisition Designation Sight and Pilot Night Vision System Source Selection Board, resulting in the development and procurement of the AH-64 attack helicopter.

            With over 5,000 flight hours, 1,600 hours flown in combat, Jaggers' leadership and contributions to Army aviation have been inspirational.

Edited by Bullinger, JUL 07
 

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