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 Private First Class Thomas B. Jones, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on 9 May 1968, while serving as a Crew Member of a twin 40-mm. M-42 Duster track vehicle with Battery B, 5th Battalion (Automatic Weapons) (Self Propelled), 2d Artillery, II Field Force, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Fire Support Base Maury came under heavy enemy mortar, anti-tank fire and a fierce ground attack. Within seconds of the enemy’s initial burst of fire, Private First Class Jones and the remainder of the twin 40-mm. Duster crew had manned their positions and directed fire on the suspected enemy positions until the guns became jammed. The crew then abandoned the mobile weapon. Private First Class Jones then discovered that one of the crew had been seriously wounded and remained the in the vehicle in a very vulnerable position. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private First Class Jones returned to the vehicle and removed the unconscious soldier. Having freed the wounded soldier from the disabled vehicle and to a relatively safe area, he immediately began administering first aid. After treating his injured comrade, Private First Class Jones once again disregarded his personal safety and immediately began extinguished a fire that silhouetted the Duster and adjacent friendly positions to the enemy. With the fire extinguished he continued to repel the enemy with highly accurate fire from his personal weapon. Private First Class Jones’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.