Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism as a Company Machine Gunner serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 24 February 1945. With his company pinned down and suffering heavy casualties under shattering hostile machine-gun fire, during an attack against well-concealed and deeply entrenched enemy emplacements, Private Jones voluntarily braved a withering barrage in a valiant attempt to wipe out the resistance. Boldly advancing alone to an area near the enemy guns and 100 yards forward of his company lines, he poured a steady stream of machine-gun fire into the entrenchments to silence two machine guns and at the same time designated other targets for his company weapons by the sustained, accurate us e of tracer bullets. Although seriously wounded in the leg, he called for additional ammunition and grenades and gallantly continued to pit his devastating fire against the Japanese while his company consolidated for the night. With his ammunition again exhausted and the enemy rapidly closing to grenade range, he dauntlessly fought on, repeatedly seizing the deadly missiles and returning them until he was again severely wounded when one of the grenades exploded close by. Suffering severe pain and weak from loss of blood, he valiantly left his position in the foxhole and crawled back to his own lines under cover of darkness to make a complete report to his company commander on the location of the remaining hostile strong points, later succumbing to his wounds. By his outstanding fortitude, unwavering perseverance and great personal valor, maintained in the face of almost certain death, Private Jones contributed to the saving of many lives and to the success of his company''s mission. His stout-hearted devotion to duty throughout reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 32970 (August 15, 1945)