Jack G. Joplin

Command Sergeant Major Jack G. Joplin, US Army, was born 23 May 1939 in Bromide, Oklahoma. He joined the US Army in 1961. After completing basic training at Fort Hood, Texas where he trained in infantry skills, he served in the 501st Battle Group, 82nd Airborne Division, and 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173 Airborne Brigade. After graduating the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces Medic, he served in 6th, 3rd, 5th, 1st, and 10th Special Forces Groups, as well as the Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta. From 1967-1991 he provided Non-Commissioned Officer leadership at every level of Special Operations, from Senior Medical Sergeant to Battalion Command Sergeant Major. His service included two tours in Vietnam, as well as overseas assignments in Germany and Okinawa. He participated in Operation Ivory Coast, the attempt to rescue prisoners of war held in the Son Tay prison camp located 23 miles outside of Hanoi. Additionally, in April 1980 he participated in Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue Americans taken hostage in the wake of the Iranian Revolution.

CSM Joplin's awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V" and Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medic Badge, Special Forces Tab, and Master Parachutist Badge.