[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN MEMORY OF ROBERT HAL JACKSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Hal Jackson, 
a life-long North Texan who passed away at 87 years of age on Saturday, 
January 19, 2008.
  Robert Hal Jackson devoted his life to helping and protecting others. 
Born on November 29, 1920, in Denton, Texas, he graduated from North 
Texas State Teacher's College, now known as the University of North 
Texas, in 1941. Mr. Jackson enrolled in law school at the University of 
Texas but left to join the Navy Air Corps on January 1, 1942. On 
November 14th of that year, he married his wife Barbara Hancock before 
serving three tours of duty in the South Pacific during World War II. 
He was a member of the VF-17 Skull & Crossbones Squadron and received a 
Silver Star for his part in the aerial attack that sunk the Yamato, 
Japan's largest battleship.
  Upon returning from the war, Jackson finished his degree at Baylor 
University and Southern Methodist University. He served two terms in 
the Texas State Legislature representing Denton, and earned his law 
license in 1952. Continuing his commitment as a public servant, Mr. 
Jackson chose to be a defense attorney in the criminal courts, 
believing that the American justice system relied on strong, dedicated 
lawyers to compel the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable 
doubt. Mr. Jackson was most assuredly one of those lawyers, receiving 
respect from both sides of the court room for his unwavering commitment 
to his work.
  Mr. Jackson was a member of the Denton County Bar Association, the 
Denton County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and a founding 
member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He served on 
the Denton Airport Board for two years, and was an avid supporter of 
the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Jackson was inducted into the Denton 
County Criminal Defense Attorneys Association's Hall of Fame in March 
2006. He is survived by his wife Barbara, whom he was married to for 65 
years, and several cousins.
  Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize and celebrate the life 
of Mr. Hal Jackson, one he spent serving our country, both in the war 
and in the courtroom. His loyalty and allegiance to this nation will be 
sorely missed, but his memory will remain as an inspiration to those 
who were fortunate enough to have known him. I extend my sincerest 
sympathies to his family and friends; he will truly be missed by all.

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