Decorated Marine Pilot Donald Eric Jacobsen Dies at 92

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Donald Eric Jacobsen, a retired Marine lieutenant colonel who served three tours in Vietnam and was recognized as his squadron's 'Top Gun' in aerial competition, passed away on March 11, 2026 at the age of 92. Jacobsen, who was born in Waller, California in 1933, had a distinguished 25-year military career that included piloting over a dozen different types of military aircraft, most notably the A-4 Skyhawk. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Why it matters

Jacobsen's life story reflects the experiences of many American servicemembers who fought in the Vietnam War and went on to lead full lives after retiring from the military. His accomplishments as a pilot and instructor, as well as his lifelong intellectual pursuits as a member of Mensa, highlight the diverse interests and talents of those who served their country.

The details

Jacobsen enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953 and was later accepted into an officer commissioning program, where he requested to become a pilot. He successfully completed naval aviator training and went on to serve as a flight instructor at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, where he trained students who later joined the Navy's Blue Angels precision flying team and became Space Shuttle crew members. Over the course of his 25-year career, Jacobsen was awarded the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Naval Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal, and was recognized as his squadron's 'Top Gun' in aerial competition during one of his three tours in Vietnam.

• Jacobsen was born on June 30, 1933 in Waller, California.
• He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953.
• He served three tours in Vietnam during his 25-year military career.
• Jacobsen retired from active duty in 1978 at the rank of lieutenant colonel.
• He passed away on March 11, 2026 at the age of 92.

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