Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Erwin Jones retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    350th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    88th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 3, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 5 (January 10, 1945)

    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 (Infantry) Erwin Bailey Jones, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Velamagna, Italy, from 1 to 3 October 1944. On 1 October 1944, the battalion was advancing to the high ground in the mountainous country near Velamagna, with Major Jones voluntarily accompanying the point element of the leading company. Scouts contacted the enemy and a hail of enemy small arms fire and an artillery and mortar barrage ensued. The point, which had lost contact with the company, was attacked by thirty Germans. Major Jones, under severe enemy fire, crawled to a position from which he could direct artillery fire upon the enemy. While thus engaged he was menaced by a succession of enemy riflemen. He engaged them in a fire fight, killing eight with accurate fire from his .30-caliber carbine. Remaining in his perilous position, he covered the evacuation of members of the point who had been wounded, and fought off the enemy until reinforcements arrived. His actions enabled the battalion to secure the high ground and to drive off an enemy counterattack. On 2 October, as the battalion resumed its advance, Major Jones and his messenger were with the leading platoon when he observed a house off the line of advance. Leaving his runner at that location, he crawled forward alone, rushed into the building, and took six German soldiers by surprise, capturing them without a fight. Returning to the leading company, Major Jones directed and led an attack against the German positions on a hill, assisted in knocking out the machine guns, and led the company to its objective. On 3 October, near Mount Battaglia, the battalion’s leading company encountered a strong enemy resistance. A ferocious artillery exchange ensued and all of the officer except one in the leading company became casualties. The fighting was at close range and one German managed to advance within 10 yards of Major Jones, who killed him. With hand grenades, he killed for more Nazi’s, and probably accounted for many other Germans, routing the enemy force and allowing the battalion to continue its advance. In three days Major Jones personally killed 13 German soldiers and captured six, and was instrumental in smashing two desperate enemy counterattacks, and then led an attack which resulted in the knocking out of two enemy machine guns and the seizure of important ground. 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, the 88th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.