Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer (CW-2) Charles R. Jones (ASN: W-3154193), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter), 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 2 February 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Jones distinguished himself by valorous action while serving as an aircraft commander of an armed helicopter which was part of a flight of six gunships involved in an attack on a battalion of the enemy. Chief Warrant Officer Jones made firing passes on the battalion knowing that he was being fired upon by the same heavy machine gun that had earlier shot down three other aircraft. Continuing to make low level passes, he fired his rockets with pinpoint accuracy to within twenty feet of friendly elements. He directed the fire of his crew to engage numerous pockets of resistance on each firing pass until the enemy force was in complete disarray. Without his brave leadership, the annihilation of this battalion would not have been possible. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1967
    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 928 (February 23, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer (W-1) Charles R. Jones (ASN: W-3154193), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company , 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 November 1967. Warrant Officer Jones distinguished himself while serving as pilot of an armed helicopter. During a combat assault mission, one of the aircraft flying wing position was shot down. Warrant Officer Jones immediately flew his ship to the crash site to render aid and protection. In the face of intense enemy fire he refused to leave the area. He rendered suppressive fire until the enemy was forced to withdraw from the downed crew. His courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Warrant Officer (W-1)

    Regiment:

    1st Aviation Brigade

    Action Date:

    November 27, 1967
    Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 105 (January 9, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Warrant Officer (W-1) Charles R. Jones (ASN: W-3154193), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 189th Aviation Company , 1st Aviation Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 November 1967. Warrant Officer Jones distinguished himself while serving as aircraft commander of an armed helicopter during a mission to support an extraction of a friendly ground unit. The unit was completely surrounded by a superior enemy force and was in desperate need of extraction. Warrant Officer Jones made numerous passes over the enemy positions and placed deadly accurate fire on the enemy targets. He disregarded his own personal safety as he continued to place cover fire for the ships performing the extraction. Warrant Officer Jones’ courage and devotion to duty contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.