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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the Twenty-Third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands from 15 June to 2 August 1944. Landing on both islands in the initial assaults on vital sectors, Colonel Jones capably led his Regiment and, defying heavy artillery, machine-gun and mortar fire, seized beachheads and held them tenaciously against repeated counterattacks until the full force of the supporting elements could be landed. Resourceful in battle exigencies and analyzing enemy tactics, he coordinated the efforts of the units under his command and led his Regiment in unrelenting attacks against the Japanese. Seizing assigned objectives despite fanatic resistance and annihilating thousands of the enemy, he was continually in the field throughout the operation, visiting his front line units and coordinating their efforts. His inspiring leadership, professional ability and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Jones and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    November 7, 1944 – June 22, 1945
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 7 November 1944 through 22 June 1945.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 15, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 3 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Jones distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Thiaucourt, France, 12 – 15 September 1918, and by his brilliant leadership.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    February 1 & 2, 1944
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations on 1 and 2 February 1944.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 12 – 16, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Jones distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Mihiel, France, 12 – 16 September 1918. (THIRD Citation)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18 – 22, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Jones distinguished himself while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Soissons, France, 18 – 22 July 1918. (SECOND Citation)

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 1 – November 10, 1945
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Louis R. Jones (MCSN: 0-486), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit (Army Award) for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 1 October to 10 November 1945.