The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal John D. Jones (ASN: 6707399), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a member of an engineer demolition team of the 117th Engineer Combat Battalion, attached to an Infantry battalion of the 37th Infantry Division, during the attack on the Walled City of Manila in February and March 1945. After supporting artillery and tanks had shelled and demolished all but one of the many tunnels in which the enemy had machine gun emplacements, Corporal Jones and two comrades volunteered to go forward and place charges of explosives at the entrance to the remaining tunnel. Although cognizant of the risk to themselves, the men obtained charges and proceeded cautiously along the base of the wall under intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire. Reaching the tunnel, they placed the charges at the entrance, and safely withdrew. Twenty Japanese were killed when the charges were detonated and the strongpoint demolished. The successful accomplishment of their hazardous mission enabled our forces to successfully complete a vital phase of the battle for the city. 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.