Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    December 16, 1950

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 245 (May 28, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant Roy D. Jones, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 16 December 1950. On this date one of the organizational aircraft returning from Korea with a load of 16,800 pounds of demolition bombs crashed at the end of the runway and nosed up in a steep ravine. Arriving at the scene of the accident, Sergeant Jones and a companion discovered that the number four engine was still running and that gasoline was flowing from the damaged fuel tanks near the hot exhaust stack. Ignoring the imminent danger of an explosion and fire, Sergeant Jones, aided by his companion, entered the engine nacelle through an inspection hole and shut off the flow of fuel to the engine. His prompt and courageous action in preventing an explosion of the bomb load eliminated the possibility of extensive property damage and loss of life. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Jones was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service, and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.