The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Alfred E. Jones (ASN: 33268159), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company H, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 24 August 1944 in France. At a time when the 2d Battalion was fighting desperately to avoid encirclement by hostile troops, Sergeant Jones was ordered to place his mortar squad in position on the battalion’s exposed right flank and to protect it against enemy infiltration. Almost immediately a large hostile force launched a savage attack. Without a thought for personal safety, he braved heavy tank and automatic weapons fire in order to obtain better observation and to direct the fire of his men. He constantly moved among them, distributing ammunition and encouraging them to hold their position. The initial assault was repelled, but, throughout the day, the enemy launched repeated attacks against the sector. Sergeant Jones killed and wounded a large number of the enemy with his rifle and skillfully directed effective mortar fire on the hostile troops. He remained dauntlessly in his exposed position until he was seriously wounded by shell fragments. His outstanding leadership and personal daring prevented an enemy breakthrough on the battalion’s right flank. Sergeant Jones was reported missing in action during a subsequent engagement. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.