The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Claude P. Jones (ASN: 31000012), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from April through August 1943. When the advance of his company was stopped by an enemy machine gun nest on their left flank, Sergeant Jones voluntarily led a patrol whose mission was to neutralize the nest. Although friendly artillery was firing near this area, Sergeant Jones charged the enemy position in the face of direct fire and succeeded in dislodging the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.