Mack Alvin Jordan (1928-1951), of Collins, Mississippi, was inducted into the United States Army in January 1951. By June, he was sent with the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division for combat in the Korean War.

Private First Class Jordan was serving as a squad leader when his platoon launched a night attack on November 15, 1951, near Kumsong, Korea. Encountering heavy resistance, Jordan’s platoon withdrew to reorganize. Jordan, however, crawled forward alone, launching a one-man defense. He proceeded to knock out a machine gun nest with grenades and rifle fire, and was making his way to another emplacement before a packet of explosives rolled towards him. Despite being badly wounded by the blast, Jordan continued to fire his weapons. His comrades found him still fighting when they moved back into position. Private Jordan immediately received medical assistance, but died on the way to an aid station.

For his bravery, Private First Class Jordan was posthumously awarded this Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in combat. Secretary of the Army Frank C. Pace presented the medal to Jordan’s father, John W. Jordan, at the Pentagon on January 7, 1953.