Paul Jackson was born on May 6, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 28, 1998, and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in August 1998. After completing the UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter Repairer Course in December 1998, Sgt Jackson served as an MH-60 crew chief with Company D, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from February 1999 until he was killed in the crash of an MH-60 near Leadville, Colorado, on August 19, 2009. Paul Jackson was buried at the West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

His 1st (of 4) Air Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For exceptionally meritorious achievement during aerial flight as an MH-60K crew chief assigned to a Joint Task Force during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Jackson flew as crew chief on one of three MH-60K aircraft on a combat air assault against a well-armed and equipped enemy. Upon arrival for infix and exfil, he provided security with his weapon and then assisted the pilots in executing a difficult landing under hostile fire on uneven terrain, ensuring the aircraft remained clear of all obstacles. Sergeant Jackson's efforts as a crew chief contributed immensely to mission accomplishment. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Sergeant Jackson reflected great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.

Soldier's Creed:

I am an American Soldier.

I am a warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.