The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Ralph Meldrim Jones (NSN: 0-76873), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Escort Scouting Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VS-26), attached to the U.S.S. Sangamon, during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. While leading a section of airplanes in the initial attack on Port Lyautey, Lieutenant Jones, suddenly aware that one of his comrades was being attacked by a hostile fighter, courageously maneuvered to challenge the assailant and succeeded, with only a .30 caliber machine gun, in forcing the enemy craft to withdraw, thereby extricating his comrade from a perilous situation. Later, upon discovering that an enemy anti-aircraft battery was menacing our forces, Lieutenant Jones, flying at dangerously low altitude, sought out and vigorously attacked the gun positions. Despite the serious damage which his plane had received, he displayed superb airmanship in maintaining control until a safe landing was made aboard the carrier. His unconquerable fighting spirit and courageous disregard for his own personal safety were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Meldrim Jones (NSN: 0-76873), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Bomber in Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), attached to the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), in action against the Japanese Fleet during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Gallantly leading his three-plane flight of torpedo bombers in the first organized attack against a strong Japanese Task Group in this bitter engagement and flying without fighter escort or other protection, Lieutenant Commander Jones boldly countered the enemy’s fierce, concentrated anti-aircraft fire of all calibers to press home his attack and, armed only with depth bombs and two rockets, made a brilliantly executed low-altitude run on his target, scoring three direct hits on a hostile battleship. His superb airmanship, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of tremendous odds were essential factors in the success of the engagement and contributed materially to the extensive and costly damage inflicted on the enemy in the Pacific War area. His forceful leadership and valiant devotion to duty throughout reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Jones and the United States Naval Service.