The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain (Retired), [then Commander] Robert F. Jones, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Training Task Force from 3 April to 4 March 1944. Captain Jones played a leading role in the planning, development, and production of a reliable, radio-controlled assault drone for combat use. He prepared the courses of instruction, established the requirements for materials and equipment, pressed the purchase and construction of airfields, and improved the packing and storage of electronic materials sent overseas.