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 Captain (Field Artillery)) Paul M. Jones, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force. Captain Jones distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 August 1967 near Dak To, Republic of Vietnam. As Battery A, 3d Battalion, 319th Artillery was firing a landing zone preparation mission a CH-47 helicopter passed low and very close to the rear of Number Four gun. The turbulence caused by the rotor blades blew sparks from the muzzle flash of the gun into the ammunition-ready rack and ignited the exposed powder bags. These burning bags were blown into the ammunition bunker and the sandbag walls, ammunition containers and wooden floor and ceiling caught fire immediately. An alarm was spread throughout the fire support base which contained, in addition to the two artillery batteries, the headquarters elements of the 1st and 4th Battalions, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). At the risk of his life, Captain Jones began moving in and about the bunker and ready rack, pouring water out of five gallon cans upon the ammunition and bunker. The heat of the fire had caused the rounds to reach such a high temperature that the water converted to steam and evaporated upon contact with the ammunition. During the next crucial moments, Captain Jones continued to pour water on the burning bunker and at times carried fire-scorching artillery rounds to the far side of the parapet and threw the burning containers and sandbags out of the danger area. Captain Jones’ heroic actions saved many lives, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.