No. 75 Squadron was redeployed to Horn Island, Queensland, in September 1942, and Jackson handed over command to Squadron Leader John Meehan the following January. In recognition of his "courage and leadership" in New Guinea, Jackson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), which was promulgated in the "London Gazette" on 26 March 1943. Having served in staff positions in Australia during the year, he was appointed wing leader of No. 78 (Fighter) Wing, a component of the newly formed No. 10 Operational Group, in December 1943. The wing participated in Operations Reckless and Persecution, the assault on Hollandia and Aitape that opened the Western New Guinea campaign, in April 1944. This was followed by the attack on Noemfoor, commencing in June. Jackson was promoted to acting wing commander in September 1944. Completing his tour with No. 78 Wing in December, he was posted to No. 8 Operational Training Unit, New South Wales, as chief flying instructor. In March 1945, Jackson was awarded a bar to his DFC for "determined and successful attacks on enemy installations and shipping". That June, he took command of Air Defence Headquarters in Madang.