The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Harry Jones, Jr. (ASN: 33438849), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 9 and 10 march 1945. While engaged in clearing out enemy positions on a ridge near Zapang, Luzon, the squad of which Sergeant Jones was a member suddenly encountered intense sniper and machine gun fire from four strongly emplaced pillboxes concealed in the wooded slopes of the next ridge. After the enemy had repulsed a series of attacks, an assault gun was brought forward to lay direct fire on and neutralize the enemy emplacements. Courageously advancing over the fire-swept terrain in full view of the enemy, Sergeant Jones hurled white phosphorous grenades at the position to mark the target for the gunners. On the following morning, when the advance was temporarily held up, Sergeant Jones bravely charged forward through a hail of fire and destroyed one of the pillboxes with hand grenades. He was wounded during this action, but his daring single-handed assault created a breach in the enemy defenses, and the assault unit continuing the attack, wiped out the position. Sergeant Jones’ heroic efforts, which materially aided in the reduction of this stubbornly defended strong point, showed outstanding courage and imitative. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Jones, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.