The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant Nicholas J. Jones, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism on 8 March 2020 in Iraq while serving as an Element Leader with the Second Marine Raider Battalion in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Staff Sergeant Jones was accompanying Iraqi security forces on a mission to clear enemy cave bunkers in the mountains of Northern Iraq, when an adjacent element was taken under heavy fire by multiple barricaded enemy fighters. Two Marine Raiders and one allied special operator were wounded in the initial volley. Under sustained and intense close range enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Jones maneuvered to the allied casualty, suppressed the enemy with small arms fire and grenades, and helped the wounded soldier get to a covered position for medical evacuation. He then turned his attention to the two fallen Marines, who were in a steep ravine. Staff Sergeant Jones again exposed himself to enemy fire coming from inside the caves in a valiant attempt to reach his teammates. Disregarding the rounds impacting all around him, he continued engaging the enemy with rifle fire and grenades until he was driven back by the heavy volume of enemy fire. Several hours into the pitched battle, he mounted a third attack on the enemy but sustained a gunshot to the leg. He refused medical treatment and continued fighting until forcibly evacuated. By his bold and decisive actions, courage under fire, and inspirational warrior spirit, Staff Sergeant Jones reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Marine Corps.