Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division

    Action Date:

    October 18, 1944

    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 01232

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Henry W. Jones (MCSN: 0-10741), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company L, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 18 October 1944. Dispatched to destroy several strongly entrenched hostile positions which our heavy artillery and mortar fire had failed to neutralize, Captain Jones valiantly led his men to the base of a ridge against fanatic opposition in an effort to wipe out Japanese resistance retarding the advance of his company. Observing a tank misdirecting its fire, he unhesitatingly braved the enemy’s intense barrage to climb into the tank and attempt to direct its fire against the principal emplacement. While engaged in his perilous task, Captain Jones was mortally wounded when the vehicle struck an explosive charge planted in the ground. By his fearless leadership, great personal valor and unrelenting devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Captain Jones contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.