The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant States R. Jones, Jr. (MCSN: 0-24272), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company A, Fifth Tank Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 24 February 1945. Ordered to make a feint on the left flank to facilitate the advance of a tank company on the right flank, First Lieutenant Jones proceeded to the enemy front lines and, discovering that further advance was possible, pressed the attack for a distance of two hundred yards into hostile territory. Surprising the enemy with his daring tactics, he moved his three tanks into the midst of a Japanese bivouac and, although operating without supporting riflemen, destroyed numerous hostile personnel, emplacements and pillboxes. His aggressive spirit and courageous leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.