Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Specialist Fourth Class

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 20, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 776 (February 20, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Horatio Lee Jones (ASN: RA-10852285), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 December 1967 while serving as machine gunner of an infantry unit during a savage attack on its camp near Bo Tuc. During the early morning hours, his unit was subjected to an intense barrage of Viet Cong mortars and rockets combined with a fanatical human wave assault. His position received heavy small arms and rocket fire which was so accurate it destroyed his machine gun, seriously wounded him, and killed his assistant gunner. Despite his wound, Specialist Jones grabbed a rifle, led his remaining crew member through a hail of bullets to a strategically located bunker, and continued the defense of the camp. The insurgents unleashed a furious, determined assault on the fortifications. An enemy hand grenade landed directly in the bunker and, knowing that it would go off at any second, Specialist Jones reached for the grenade. Realizing he did not have time to throw it out of the bunker, he courageously pulled the grenade to himself an smothered the explosion with his body. He was instantly killed while gallantly and unselfishly saving the life of his fellow soldier. Specialist Four Jones’ extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.