The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Andrew P. Jones (ASN: 19112508), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 26th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 26th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Xures, France, on 26 October 1944. While the first platoon of the troop was outposting a hill position west of Xures they were subjected to a heavy enemy counterattack. On his own initiative and in the face of enemy fire Technician Fifth Grade Jones, a radio operator, manned a machine gun to cover the withdrawal of two comrades from a forward observation post, and then brought up a 60-mm. mortar which lacked a sight, and with the assistance of one of his comrades delivered accurate fire upon the enemy, breaking up the attack, causing the enemy to scatter and take cover. This accomplished, the two men then acted as artillery observers and directed accurate artillery fire which routed the enemy. His heroic action was instrumental in averting a serious threat to our positions. Technician Fifth Grade Jones courage, initiative and outstanding devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.