The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Ronald Darwin Jones (ASN: 0-5422684), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 23 November 1967. On this date, Lieutenant Jones was securing a night defensive position in a dense jungle area of An Loc Province near Con Thanh. Late at night, movement was detected outside the perimeter and Lieutenant Jones alerted his men to prepare for a possible attack. Although the Viet Cong movement was pinpointed, his platoon initially withheld their fire to allow the men who had been manning listening posts to make their way back to the perimeter. During this time, the Viet Cong began their attack with a barrage of rockets. Realizing that suppressing the enemy fire without hitting the soldiers returning from their listening posts would require extremely precise fire control, Lieutenant Jones dismounted from his vehicle and moved to the most critical points on the perimeter. He ignored the mortar rounds exploding on all sides as he ran from vehicle to vehicle to direct his men’s fire. At one point, he noticed a friendly soldier returning from a listening post who could not find his way through the concertina wire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he jumped atop a tank, then returned to his unit and continued to direct their efforts. When the Viet Cong had been driven off, he quickly reorganized his platoon and directed maintenance on three vehicles which had been hit by rockets. In the morning, with all the vehicles operational, he led his platoon outside the perimeter to recover an ambush patrol that needed assistance. His courage under fire and his dynamic leadership contributed significantly to the successful defense of the friendly position and enabled the listening post personnel to return to the perimeter without any serious casualties. First Lieutenant Jones’ unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Ronald Darwin Jones (ASN: 0-5422684), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1968. On this date, Lieutenant Jones was serving as Platoon Leader of a cavalry unit sent to recapture an Army of the Republic of Vietnam compound near Ben Cat. As the friendly force proceeded through the village, it was suddenly subjected to intense enemy rocket propelled grenade fire. The platoon surged through the concertina wire surrounding the camp and immediately formed on line. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Jones led his unit through a heavy barrage of rocket propelled grenade and mortar rounds, advancing toward the Viet Cong positions. When automatic weapons fire came from an insurgents’ emplacement, he neutralized the location with the fire power of his tank. Lieutenant Jones’ men captured a howitzer which the enemy was attempting to turn on the advancing troops. Continuing through the camp with great momentum, the friendly force completely routed the Viet Cong from their bunkers and killed 25 insurgents. His exemplary courage, outstanding leadership, and bold determination were directly responsible for the success of the mission. First Lieutenant Jones’ unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.