Major Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 29, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1, 1969 – January 15, 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, for outstanding achievement in a position of leadership while detained as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 September 1969 to 15 January 1973. This officer performed duties dealing in highly classified material while under constant surveillance of the enemy. He generated new ideas and improvised new techniques which greatly enhanced covert operations. His outstanding performance and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1966 – July 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 1966 to July 1970. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of North Vietnam, demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion, and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, he continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 pilot near Hanoi, North Vietnam on 29 June 1966. On that date, Captain Jones was a member of a flight assigned to destroy the heavily defended Hanoi petroleum products storage facility which represented 25 percent of North Vietnam’s POL storage capability. Despite encountering defensive fire of intensity unparalleled in this conflict, Captain Jones fearlessly pressed his attack, placing his ordnance precisely on his assigned target. The resulting fireball contributed to the ensuing firestorm that totally destroyed the complex, crippling Hanoi’s petroleum fed industries and transportation system. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Jones reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
July 1, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 1 July 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Major Jones resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
June 25, 1979 – December 31, 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Murphy Neal Jones (AFSN: AO-3100904), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Directorate of Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff/Plans and Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force from 25 June 1979 to 31 December 1981. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Jones were instrumental factors in the resolution of many complex problems of major importance to the Air Force. Of particular significance was his major contribution in the establishment of an innovative program that will greatly improve resource management for operational commands. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Jones culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.