The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jones N. Epps (ASN: 0-60328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Hoengsong, Korea. On 12 February 1951, Company G was given the mission of forcing through strong enemy forces to an area east of Hoengsong, where a friendly regiment was surrounded and cut off, and covering the withdrawal of the surrounded regiment. The enemy made a desperate attempt to prevent the rescue operation by attacking the weapons platoon from the rear. As the enemy force of approximately 200 troops closed in on the platoon, Lieutenant Epps moved about his positions directing the defense and changing positions of his crew-served weapons to bring maximum fire to bear on the enemy. Under the inspiring leadership of Lieutenant Epps, the weapons platoon succeeded in dispersing the enemy after inflicting heavy casualties; held open the escape route for the withdrawal of friendly forces; and fought a successful rearguard action back to the United Nations lines. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Epps reflects great credit on himself and the military service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Regiment:
187th Airborne Infantry RegimentAction Date:
May 31, 1951
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Jones N. Epps (ASN: 0-60328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Wongton-ni, Korea, on 31 May 1951. Captain Epps rallied his men in the face of an overwhelming enemy assault and, held firm until a limited withdrawal was ordered. He was the last to leave the position and supervised the withdrawal so ably that casualties were held to a minimum. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Epps, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry)Regiment:
187th Airborne Infantry RegimentAction Date:
February 14, 1951
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Jones N. Epps (ASN: 0-60328), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment, in action against the enemy near Wonju, Korea, on 14 February 1951. Despite a severe wound, he continued to lead his platoon in an assault against a well-fortified hill positions, and moved forward alone to knock out an enemy machine gun that threatened to stop the attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Epps, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.