Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Jack R. Jones (MCSN: 0-18117), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea, from 27 November to 7 December 1950. Assigned to reinforce friendly troops pinned down on a reverse slope by direct automatic weapons fire when driven from commanding high ground near Yudam-ni by a numerically superior hostile force estimated at two regiment strength, Captain Jones boldly led his company over unfamiliar terrain under cover of darkness and, reaching his objective to find that all other officers in the immediate area were casualties, unhesitatingly assumed over all command to launch an attack, killing approximately 65 of the enemy and driving the remainder from the ridge line. In the early morning of 29 November, he bravely exposed himself to direct enemy small-arms, mortar and machine-gun fire to reconnoiter hostile positions well in front of his own lines and, although painfully wounded in the right leg, continued to observe the opposition and direct his troops in beating off heavy attacks. Throughout the day, he continually moved among his men, supervising and personally assisting in the removal of more than 200 casualties while refusing aid for himself. When a regiment of the enemy employing small-arms, machine-guns, mortars and hand grenades attacked his defensive position in sub-zero weather on the night of 30 November, Captain Jones daringly moved back and forth along his sector in the face of intensive hostile fire, encouraging his men, supervising the evacuation of casualties and directing the defense. By the following morning, the enemy was repelled with losses of approximately 200 killed, with but 16 casualties to our forces. Again attacked by an enemy regiment on the night of 6 December at Hagaru-ri, he continually exposed himself to heavy mortar barrages while maneuvering his men to fill gaps in the defensive perimeter. During the heaviest period of fighting, he gallantly led a tank into position to place effective fire on the enemy and, although again wounded in the right leg by mortar shell fragments, continued to direct his forces throughout the long, bitterly cold night until the opposition retired, leaving 241 of their dead within 200 yards of the company front lines. Later, despite his wounds and frostbite in the hands and feet, he led his company into Majon-Dong, as a well organized and fighting unit. By his outstanding courage, skilled leadership and valiant devotion to duty, Captain Jones served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    26th Marines

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 22 & 23, 1945

    Commanding General, FMF Pacific: Serial 79499

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Jack Robert Jones (MCSN: 0-18177), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 22 and 23 February 1945. When intense hostile mortar and machine-gun fire inflicted extensive casualties in his company during an advance against a strongly defended enemy-held ridge, First Lieutenant Jones courageously led and supervised the evacuation of the wounded and, as it was impossible to use stretcher bearers, personally carried several of the casualties to positions of safety. Later, he covered the evacuation of other casualties with well-aimed hand grenades, thereby aiding materially in rescuing approximately fifteen wounded men. Painfully wounded during an attack on 23 February, he continued to perform his duties until ordered to the aid station by his Commanding Officer. By his courageous fighting spirit and devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Jones upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.)

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1950

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Jack Robert Jones (MCSN: 0-18117), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 10 November 1950. When the reinforced rifle platoon which he was leading on a combat patrol was suddenly ambushed by a numerically superior hostile force and caught in a murderous hail of enemy automatic-weapons cross fire, Captain Jones skillfully organized a defensive perimeter and exposed himself to the devastating hostile fire to move from one man to another, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire. On one occasion, when an enemy thrust threatened to force a penetration, he rushed to the dangerous area, personally killing four of the enemy with his pistol and accurately throwing hand grenades until the charge was repulsed. By his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership and resolute determination, Captain Jones contributed materially to the success of his unit in fighting its way out of a dangerous situation with minimum casualties and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.