Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    Battalion Landing Team 1/3

    Regiment:

    9th Marine Amphibious Brigade

    Action Date:

    August 16, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John H. Jones (MCSN: 2152507), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/3, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, during Operation COCHISE, in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 16 August 1967. Sergeant Jones’ squad was advancing across open rice paddies toward a tree line designated as a platoon intermediate objective. When the tree line was thirty meters distant, the six-man squad was enveloped in a withering volley of small-arms and automatic weapons fire, inflicting immediate casualties on three of his men. Finding that his radio was smashed by the enemy fire, Sergeant Jones sent two men back to bring aid and relay his situation while he remained to offer covering fire. After marking one machine-gun bunker with smoke, in the face of certain death and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Jones unhesitatingly crawled forward to give aid and assistance to one of his wounded comrades, and was mortally wounded. As a result of his actions, a relief force was able to recover all of the wounded Marines and destroy the machine-gun position he had previously marked. Sergeant Jones gallantly sacrificed his own life in an attempt to safe the lives of his men while continuing to carry out his mission. Sergeant Jones’ actions reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.