Navy Federal Credit Union

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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Clifford Jones, Jr. (ASN: RA-12750847), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 30 January 1968 while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese reconnaissance company on a search and clear operation in the city of Pleiku. During the early morning hours, the city was savagely attacked in several different areas by fanatical Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army units intent on destroying vital installations and facilities. Specialist Jones maneuvered his troops to a school building complex held by a firmly entrenched insurgent force. A fierce firefight erupted, and his company launched a two-pronged attack on the enemy positions. Specialist Jones led his platoon to the left flank to divert the vicious hostile fire from another maneuvering platoon. The diversion was short-lived, and the enemy suddenly shifted his relentless fire on the sister element and pinned it down. Specialist Jones rallied his platoon for an assault to relieve his beleaguered comrades, but the attack lost its initial momentum in the face of the withering enemy barrage. Yelling words of encouragement, he charged forward in a courageous personal assault on the insurgents. His fearless determination inspired his troops to follow him and the coordinated attack drew the enemy fire and enabled the trapped unit to reach safety. He was mortally wounded while unhesitatingly placing the welfare of his fellow soldiers above his own. Specialist Fourth Class Jones gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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