The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Gerald Allen Jones (AFSN: FV-3037665), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as HH–53B /C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 17 May 1969. On that date, Major Jones unhesitatingly flew his rescue helicopter into a heavily-fortified hostile mountain pass in a gallant effort to rescue a mortally wounded airman. Major Jones hovered his aircraft for five minutes within range of active hostile fire until he was certain his crew could be of no further use. By his gallantry and devotion to duty Major Jones has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.