Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines, 9th Amphibious Brigade

    Division:

    III Marine Amphibious Force

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1969

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Philip Boyd Jones (MCSN: 0-106589), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam on 28 January 1969. During Operation LINN RIVER, the Second Platoon of Company G was patrolling along a stream in Quang Nam Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of fire from hostile soldiers occupying well-concealed emplacements and, after sustaining several casualties, deployed to the marginal shelter of a bomb crater. Observing that the platoon leader was among the casualties, Second Lieutenant Jones mustered his radio operator and a fire team and fearlessly went to the aid of the beleaguered unit. After rapidly assessing the situation and realizing the advantage held by the numerically superior enemy force, he elected to utilize supporting artillery fire upon the North Vietnamese Army positions, but was faced with the necessity to evacuate the casualties who were lying in an unprotected area near the hostile emplacements. Unhesitatingly leading his companion across the fire-swept terrain, he effected the rescue of three of the injured men. As he, with his radio operator, again boldly entered the enemy kill zone and approached to within five meters of the hostile soldiers to evacuate the remaining helpless Marine, Second Lieutenant Jones was seriously wounded, but, determined to save his comrade, ignored his painful injury and was delivering suppressive fire on the North Vietnamese positions when he was mortally wounded. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Jones upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.