The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward R. Jones (MCSN: 2253584), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 30 July 1968. When another Platoon from his Company became heavily engaged with a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army Unit, Corporal Jones volunteered to lead a reinforced squad from his Platoon to rescue the Marines. During the advance his reinforced squad came under intense small arms, machine gun, and 61-mm. mortar fire. For over an hour, all attempts to relieve the beleaguered Marines proved futile as the enemy’s vicious fire continued with devastating effect. Although knocked into a rice paddy and partially dazed by an impacting North Vietnamese mortar round, he was finally able to reach the besieged Marines. He immediately established a defensive perimeter while his Marines returned fire. Then, he moved forward 100 meters across an open fire-swept rice paddy to the aid of a fallen radio operator. Upon reaching the fallen Marine, he found that he had expired. He took his weapon, radio, and code book back to the perimeter. He again exposed himself to enemy fire and returned across the rice paddy to retrieve the dead Marine. Corporal Jones then formulated a plan and proceeded to lead them back to friendly lines. After two land mines had been detonated, the unit found itself in a mine field. One Marine was killed and two were seriously wounded. Corporal Jones aided the Corpsman in the treatment of the wounded and then responded to the front of the column where he assumed the point position and led the Marines out of the mine field. Corporal Jones displayed steadfast leadership and great professional skill as he succeeded in leading all the Marines, including the wounded, dead, and their equipment to safety. By his exceptional fortitude, valiant fighting spirit, and courageous devotion to duty, Corporal Jones reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.