Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Thomas
S.
Jones
POW (WWII)
November 21, 1914

–

September 21, 2010

Born:

, 

New York

Home:

, 

New York

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Before he retired as an Army Colonel in 1962, Thomas Jones commanded troops in Germany including a young driver named Private Elvis Presley. During his service under Colonel Jones, as Battalion Commander he promoted Elvis to Sergeant. After Presley’s death in 1977 he wrote in a published letter to the “St. Petersburg Times, “I don’t know how good a musician Elvis was’, but as his battalion commander I can testify that he was a top-notch soldier, a credit to his parents, to his outfit, to his country.”

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    26th Cavalry Regiment (PS)

    Division:

    U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE)

    Action Date:

    January 13, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 220 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Cavalry) Thomas S. Jones (ASN: 0-336942), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), in action against enemy forces during a night attack on an enemy airfield in Tuguegarao, Cagayan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 13 January 1942. Major Jones’ extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.