The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Lelton E. Jones (ASN: 6928892), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Troop B, 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), III Corps, in action against the enemy on 3 December 1944, near *****, France. Sergeant Jones was a member of a reconnaissance patrol attempting to gain information of enemy defensive positions. To accomplish its mission it was necessary for the patrol to cross open ground covered by enemy machine gun fire. Sergeant Jones and a comrade volunteered without hesitation, top attempt the hazardous mission of neutralizing the enemy fire. Crawling across 200 yards of exposed ground, under direct enemy fire, he reached a position from which he threw a hand grenade putting the gun and crew out of action, thereby allowing the patrol to complete its task. By casting aside regard for his own safety, Sergeant Jones displayed unusual gallantry and devotion to duty and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.