The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Ensign Donald “E” Jones, United States Naval Reserves, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane based on the Carrier U.S.S. OMMANEY BAY during her action against the enemy off Samar, Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Faced by extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire and without fighter protection, Ensign Jones launched a torpedo attack against an enemy battleship, which was attacking his Carrier Division. He assisted in turning back the enemy ship and contributed materially to the routing of the remaining force. Although he was attacked and hit by four enemy fighter planes, he evaded them and successfully landed his damaged plane aboard his Carrier. While on another mission, he scored a direct bomb hit on a destroyer, causing it to settle. His courage and skill were in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.