The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel James Logan Jones, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102030), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Marine Corps Liaison Officer to the United States Senate from August 1969 through June 1984. An influential spokesman and distinguished representative for the Marine Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Jones was directly responsible for maintaining and solidifying the positive image of his service at the highest levels of representative government. Faced with complex procurement issues and budgetary problems which demanded the utmost in professional knowledge and tact, he compiled an impressive record of success. By providing timely information and responsiveness to Senators and key staff members, Lieutenant Colonel Jones was instrumental in gaining an unprecedented record of programmatic success over five budget cycles. During October and November 1983, he was the Marine coordinator of the factual release of information during both the bombing of the Marine Headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, and the Grenada operation. Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Jones was frequently called upon to escort high government officials worldwide on missions of great importance to national security. By his outstanding leadership, keen judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Jones reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel James Logan Jones, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102030), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Gold Star in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Legion of Merit to Major General James Logan Jones, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102030), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Expeditionary Warfare Division (N85) on the Staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments) from July 1995 to July 1996. Major General Jones’ exemplary performance and uncompromising standards for excellence elevated the Expeditionary Warfare Division to a pre-eminent position as key contributor to all facets of Navy/Marine Corps war fighting capabilities. A sage counselor and gifted tactician, his extraordinary leadership and sound judgment served as the catalyst for successful interaction and synergy between N85 and other Navy, Marine Corps, and Department of Defense organizations. The inter-relationships developed under his skillful guidance, coupled with his comprehensive knowledge and influential demeanor, were instrumental to his division’s success in managing all programs pertaining to Amphibious Force Requirements, Mine Warfare, Maritime Prepositioning, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Naval Surface Fire Support, and warfare assessments. Major General Jones single-handed re-vitalized an outdated mine warfare program, restructuring the program to meet war fighting requirements across the spectrum of naval expeditionary warfare in the littorals, and designing a program which prepares the Navy/Marine Corps team to fight and win in the 21st Century. By his outstanding leadership, commendable innovation, and inspiring dedication to duty, Major General Jones reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel James Logan Jones, Jr. (MCSN: 0-102030), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic from August 1990 through March 1992. Colonel Jones’ leadership was responsible for the unqualified success of two demanding Landing Force SIXTH Fleet deployments. His visionary efforts were responsible for many innovations and improvements to Marine Air Ground Task Force special operations. In conjunction with Amphibious Squadrons and the SIXTH Fleet, Colonel Jones developed procedures which enhanced carrier air support for Marine Expeditionary Units and improved inter-operability with North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies. His persistence in refining rapid response planning also enhanced the capabilities of the command. This training was particularly beneficial during the initial stages of Operation PROVIDE COMFORT during Landing Force SIXTH Fleet Deployment 1-91. Returning to the Continental United States and facing a brief four-month period before the next deployment, Colonel Jones’ brilliant guidance allowed the command to attain combat readiness in a remarkably brief time. Despite a huge personnel turnover and daunting readiness problems, the Marine Expeditionary Unit completed another highly successful deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea. By his positive leadership, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, Colonel Jones reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.