The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Thomas O. Jones (MCSN: 392425), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company L, Third Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Piva Forks Area, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 21 November 1943. Braving fierce hostile fire while advancing with his squad against a strong enemy bunker position, Private Jones courageously and skillfully continued forward until his automatic rifle was suddenly shot from his hand and rendered inoperable. Cool and courageous despite his desperate plight, he immediately seized the automatic weapon of a wounded comrade and heroically plunged forward to the enemy position, launching a devastating, close-range attack with his rifle until eight of the Japanese were killed and the bunker position was captured. By his daring initiative, unfaltering courage and indomitable fighting spirit, Private Jones contributed substantially to the success of his battalion in its operations against the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.