turn, Mel Sheppard and Jackson also joined the crowd on his heels, with Sweden's Ernst Wide closing fast. The three Americans ran abreast, so Jackson had to run wide. With 50 yards left, Jackson came even with Kiviat and Taber, as Jones and Wide started to fade. Jackson summoned one last burst and captured the gold in 3:56.8, an Olympic record. Kiviat and Taber both clocked 3:56.9, and the photo had to be reviewed before officials handed the silver to Kiviat. Baker finished sixth. At the time, it was widely acclaimed as being "the greatest race ever run". Aged 21, Jackson was the youngest ever Olympic 1500 m gold medalist until Asbel Kiprop in 2008, aged 19. Military career At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, Jackson was commissioned in the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and, in September 1914, was attached to the 13th (Service) Battalion, The Rifle Brigade, as a second lieutenant. He went over to France with the battalion and was with them until promoted lieutenant colonel in May 1918, when he took command of the 13th Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps. In December 1914, he was promoted to temporary lieutenant. On 1 July 1916, he was promoted to captain. He was made an acting major by the time of his first DSO on 4 June 1917, and in August 1917, acting lieutenant colonel. He was made a full lieutenant colonel in May 1918, and Acting Brigadier in October 1918. Jackson served in the King's Royal Rifle Corps, becoming a brigadier general in the British Army and being awarded the Distinguished Service Order with three Bars. The war put an end to his sporting career, for he was wounded three times and left permanently lame. Medals and honours He was awarded his DSO and Three Bars, with citations from The London Gazette, as follows: DSO awarded 4 June 1917, general citation. 1st Bar awarded on 18 July 1917, "for conspicuous gallantry during lengthy operations, when he assumed command of the battalion and, although wounded on two separate occasions, was able to carry out most valuable work. By his skill and courage he offered a splendid example to all ranks with him." 2nd Bar awarded on 13 May 1918, "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His battalion was subjected to an intense bombardment throughout a whole day, which caused many casualties and cut