The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant William E. Jones, Jr. (ASN: 32467280), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 January 1945, in Belgium. Sergeant Jones was leading his squad to investigate an enemy house when they were pinned down by an intense hail of automatic and small arms fire. Realizing that his company would be unable to advance if the squad did not distract the enemy’s attention, Sergeant Jones urged his men to continue the advance despite the extreme fire. His great heroism at the cost of his life will be a lasting inspiration to his comrades. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Jones, 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.