Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Sylvester Jones, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Port Jackson, South Carolina on 4 February 1970. On that date Sergeant Jones, through his quick thinking and swift and courageous action, moved to save the life of a basic combat soldier. At approximately 1605 hours, a basic trainee, while in the process of throwing an M-67 fragmentation and grenade, accidentally dropped the grenade. The trainee then panicked and ran. Sergeant Jones realized immediately that he could not reach the grenade in time to throw it over the bay wall. Instinctively, he ran after the trainee, threw him to the ground and covered the trainee with his own body less than 15 meters from the grenade explosion. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, and the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Jones’s has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army. [This award supersedes the Army Commendation Medal awarded to Staff Sergeant Sylvester Jones for meritorious service on 4 February 1970, as announced in General Orders Number 23, Headquarters United States Army Training Center, infantry and Fort Jackson, Fort Jackson, SC 29207.]

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    September 8, 1969

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (July 22, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Sylvester Jones, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on 8 September 1969. Twice on that date Sergeant Jones moved to save the life of a basic trainee. In the first incident a trainee accidentally dropped a hand grenade in the bay. Sergeant Jones instinctively pulled the soldier to the ground and covered him with his body. When another trainee threw a grenade short of its objective, the live around fell back into the base sump. Once again Sergeant Jones covered the soldier’s body with his own as the grenade detonated. By his courageous action and humanitarian regard for his fellow man, in the dedication of his service to his country, Sergeant Jones has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.