The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal James E. Jones (MCSN: 1168557), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 25 – 26 July 1953. Although severely wounded during the initial stages of an enemy attack, Corporal Jones refused medical aid and fearlessly exposed himself to murderous hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire in order to lead his squad in repulsing the vicious enemy attack. After personally supervising the evacuation of his wounded comrades, he moved through the devastating barrage of enemy fire to assume an exposed position in a weakened portion of the defensive line. When the communications line was severed by enemy fire, he carried out two trips through the entire trench line in the face of the intense fire in order to inform his platoon leader of the situation in his sector. On numerous occasions during the night, he left the comparative safety of his position and stationed himself in an exposed area to observe and adjust friendly mortar fire and to report its results, consenting to medical treatment only after the battle had ceased and his men had received proper medical care. By his aggressive fighting spirit, marked fortitude and courageous devotion to duty, Corporal Jones contributed in large measure to the successful defense of his platoon sector and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.