The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Douglas Allen Jones (MCSN: 0-85267), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces while serving as a Naval Gunfire Spotter with Sub Unit One, First Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 September 1965, First Lieutenant Jones was engaged in providing support for a two battalion Vietnamese government relief force which had become surrounded by a large Viet Cong force near Bong Son, Binh Dinh Province when he learned that a United States Air Force pilot had been shot down in the area. Arriving over the crash scene, he found that the pilot had ejected safely but, being unfamiliar with the area, was in imminent danger of falling into the hands of the Viet Cong. With great presence of mind, First Lieutenant Jones sought additional air cover, then prepared a note directing the downed pilot to a safe area. With great ingenuity, he tied the note to a smoke grenade and dropped it to the stranded pilot. Although exposed to a constant barrage of hostile fire that damaged six aircraft during the engagement, First Lieutenant Jones courageously remained airborne for more than eight hours, ensuring that the pilot was safely extracted and providing vital assistance and protection to the engaged ground forces. His swift action undoubtedly saved the Air Force pilot from death or capture by the enemy. By his outstanding professional skill, brilliant initiative and selfless dedication to duty throughout, First Lieutenant Jones upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.