James Jones, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to James Jones, Jr., Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Air Group THIRTY-ONE (AG-31), embarked from the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), during operations against enemy Japanese forces west of the Marianas Islands, on 20 June 1944. Pressing home a daring attack upon a major unit of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant Junior Grade Jones skillfully maneuvered his plane at perilously close range in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and, striking vigorously at the enemy and succeeded in scoring a direct his upon an aircraft carrier. His marked ability, great personal courage, and unswerving devotion to duty at grave personal risk were important factors in the infliction of extensive damage upon the enemy and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Jones and the Untied states Naval Service.