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S/Sgt Jack E. Collett enlisted in Erie, Pennsylvania on 1 September 1943 at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland and trained in Georgia and Florida before he was sent overseas in February 1944. He also participated in the Italian campaign.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action on 15 March 1945 in France. S/Sgt Jack E. Collett, a squad leader, was leading seven comrades in clearing a wooded area, when the group was subjected to intense machine-gun and rifle fire coming from a fortified bunker approximately 100 yards away. He immediately moved forward in the face of the enemy fire to a position 30 yards to the left of the bunker, and fired a rifle grenade scoring a direct hit and forcing five Germans to surrender. He then led his squad in clearing three more bunkers and in releasing a group of friendly soldiers who had been cut off from their company. While returning to their platoon position the men where again subjected to immense machine-gun fire from an enemy emplacement. S/Sgt Collett worked his way around to the rear of the position and was preparing to fire a rifle grenade at the enemy when he was hit and instantly killed by sniper fire. S/Sgt Collett's gallant sacrifice was an inspiration to the men who fought with him.