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 Captain (Infantry) Larry William Jones (ASN: OF-103130/0-5535817), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Captain Jones distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 March 1968, while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 3d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). On the above date Company A was ordered to seize and hold Hill 600 near Kontum. As the lead platoon of the company entered the woodline of the Hill, it came under automatic weapons fire. Captain Jones moved forward with his artillery forward observer in order to direct air strikes and indirect fire support. While moving forward he encountered such heavy enemy fire that his forward observer was seriously wounded. After pausing to ensure that his fallen comrade received medical attention, Captain Jones retrieved the observer’s radio and moved to the forward-most portion of his own company positions. He quickly recognized the extreme gravity of the situation. His lead platoon had suffered several critical casualties and the enemy had the advantage of well prepared positions. He rallied his men, initiated covering fire and extracted the wounded. While the remainder of his men began to withdraw, Captain Jones called in artillery and air strikes. Because of the density of the vegetation, he was unable to effectively observe the enemy positions and direct the fire support. He had begun moving to a more favorable location, when he was mortally wounded by sniper fire. Because of Captain Jones’ courage, his company rallied and inflicted severe damage upon the enemy. Captain Jones’ extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.