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.