(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
6th MarinesDivision:
2d Marine DivisionAction Date:
November 22 & 23, 1943
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0647The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands, on the night of 22 – 23 November 1943. Following the seizure by his Battalion of the eastern end of the airstrip in the most forward advance yet effected in enemy-held territory, Major Jones’ two remaining companies became separated when the Japanese broke through our defense during the first of several night attacks and threatened the success of the entire operation. Promptly organizing a reserve from his 81-mm. mortar platoon and units of the Battalion Headquarters Company in a valiant attempt to defend his position, he continuously exposed himself to the enemy’s withering shellfire throughout the fierce action and, personally directing a brilliantly executed counterattack against the fanatic Japanese, succeeded in ejecting the enemy and closing the gap in the lines. By his forceful and inspiring leadership, his daring combat tactics and outstanding fortitude maintained against tremendous odds, Major Jones contributed materially to the success of our forces in capturing this vital hostile stronghold and his wavering devotion to duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
6th MarinesDivision:
2d Marine DivisionAction Date:
June 15 – August 1, 1944
SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8631The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel William Kenefick Jones (MCSN: 0-5747), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. When companies under his command landed out of position on three separate beaches, Lieutenant Colonel Jones braved heavy enemy mortar, artillery and small-arms fire to proceed from unit to unit and reorganize and direct their disposition in seizing the designated target. Under his competent leadership, the Battalion repeatedly turned back Japanese counterattacks during the ensuing two days and, on the night of 16 June, bore the brunt of a hostile tank attack in which twenty-four Japanese tanks were destroyed. His gallantry under fire and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Jones and the United States Naval Service.