Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Charles
David
Jones
March 27, 1917

–

March 5, 1965

Born:

Tarpon Springs

, 

Florida

Home:

Williston

, 

Florida

Charles Jones became a World War II Marine Corps ACE, credited with shooting down SIX enemy aircraft in aerial combat. While working as a civilian in Laos on March 5, 1965, he was killed in a helicopter crash.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 222 (VMF-222)

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1943 – March 19, 1944
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 001776

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Charles David Jones (MCSN: 0-27121), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron TWENTY-TWO in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands and Bismarck Archipelago Areas, from 18 November 1943 to 19 March 1944. Flying escort for bombers during a daring strike against Rabaul, New Britain, on 19 December, First Lieutenant Jones encountered two enemy fighters and, maneuvering his plane with determined aggressiveness despite intense hostile antiaircraft fire and aerial opposition, succeeded in shooting both Japanese craft from the sky. Intercepted by hostile planes while escorting bombers over Vunakanau Airfield, New Britain, he immediately engaged the enemy on contact and destroyed three of the attacking planes. By his brilliant and dauntless fighting spirit, First Lieutenant Jones contributed materially to the success of his squadron throughout these and numerous other extremely hazardous missions over enemy territory and his great personal valor in the face of great peril was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 222 (VMF-222)

    Action Date:

    March 2 – 6, 1944
    AFMF SPOT: 12225

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles David Jones (MCSN: 0-27121), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-222), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Bismarck Archipelago Area from 2 to 6 March 1944. Completing his sixtieth mission during this period, Second Lieutenant Jones contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out escort and patrol flights and strafing attacks against enemy shipping and a radar station. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 222 (VMF-222)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    AFMF SPOT: 12225

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles David Jones (MCSN: 0-27121), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-222), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 14 to 17 September 1943. Completing his twentieth mission during this period, Second Lieutenant Jones contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out combat air patrols, escort missions and strikes against the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 222 (VMF-222)

    Action Date:

    October 8 – December 18, 1943
    AFMF SPOT: 12225

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles David Jones (MCSN: 0-27121), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMF-222), during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area from 8 October 1943 to 18 December 1943. Completing his fortieth mission during this period, Second Lieutenant Jones contributed materially to the success of his squadron in carrying out escort and patrol flights over Bougainville and Vella Lavella and strafing attacks against the enemy. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.