The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Otis Robert Jones (MCSN: 2512511), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 26 June 1970, Corporal Jones was a member of a squad-sized patrol from Company B maneuvering to an ambush site when the patrol made contact with a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-fortified emplacements. During the initial exchange of fire, the patrol’s radio was destroyed and several Marines, including Corporal Jones, were seriously wounded. Although in intense pain, Corporal Jones moved to a position from which he could observe the battle and, upon determining that the enemy force was too large for his squad to defeat, released a pyrotechnic signal to alert other friendly units operating nearby that he required assistance. Realizing that his position was untenable, he then maneuvered his men into more advantageous defensive positions from which they continued to engage the enemy in a bitter fire fight. Determined to pull all of his men to safety, he then directed the wounded to join with the remainder of the squad and to consolidate their position so they could hold out until a reaction force arrived. As the Marines continued to engage the enemy force, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he directed the fire of his men and personally fired at enemy positions. Although now the target of concentrated enemy small arms fire, Corporal Jones steadfastly held his position as he continued to deliver devastating fire against the enemy in protection of his wounded comrades and while thus selflessly engaged, was mortally wounded. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellow Marines and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Jones inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.