The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jerome Michael Jones (ASN: 2474937), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action in operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company K, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On the night of 27 February 1969, Company K initiated an ambush on two North Vietnamese Army soldiers only to discover that they were the point element of a much larger force. The enemy, armed with automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenades, and satchel charges, reacted quickly by delivering a heavy volume of fire into the ambush site. Despite a wound received in the first volley of hostile fire, Private First Class Jones continued to direct the fire of his team. Observing an enemy soldier who was approaching his flank and preparing to fire a rocket-propelled grenade round, Private First Class Jones killed the man, thereby saving the lives of several of his fellow Marines. While continuing to encourage his men despite his painful wound, he was mortally wounded by the explosion of an enemy hand grenade. Private First Class Jones’ courage, resolute determination and selfless concern for his comrades inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.