The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Herbert D. Jones (MCSN: 447043), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 21 September 1944. After instructing the gunner of an automatic weapon to cover his advance, Private First Class Jones approached an enemy machine gun which was holding up the advance of his unit. When his protecting gun jammed just as he neared his objective, he was subjected to heavy fire from the weapon he was attempting to destroy. Fearlessly exposing himself to the barrage, Private First Class Jones delivered accurate fire into the gun position and destroyed it, thereby making possible the advance of his unit. His initiative, personal courage and conduct in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.