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Jones, William Kenefick

Date of birth:
October 23rd, 1916 (Joplin/Missouri, United States)
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major
Unit:
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps
For action performed on 22 and 23 November 1943, on the island Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands.

Citation unavailable.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)
Unit:
1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Kenefick Jones (0-5747), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. When companies under his command landed out of position on three separate beaches, Lieutenant Colonel Jones braved heavy enemy mortar, artillery and small-arms fire to proceed from unit to unit and reorganize and direct their disposition in seizing the designated target. Under his competent leadership, the Battalion repeatedly turned back Japanese counterattacks during the ensuing two days and, on the night of 16 June, bore the brunt of a hostile tank attack in which twenty-four Japanese tanks were destroyed. His gallantry under fire and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Jones and the United States Naval Service.
Navy Cross

Sources

  • - Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present, by C. Douglas Sterner
    - Hammel, E. & Lane, J.E., Bloody Tarawa – The 2nd Marine Division, November 20-23, 1943, Zenith Press, St. Paul, USA, 2006
    - Clark, G.B., The Six Marine Divisions in the Pacific – Every Campaign of World War II, McFarland & Company, Jefferson, North Carolina, USA, 2006
    - WW2 Gyrene.org
    - Tarawa on the web.org
    - Homeofheroes.com

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