Ralph Melgrim Jones

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ralph Melgrim Jones, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Combat Plane in Composite Squadron SIXTY-FIVE (VC-65), embarked from the U.S.S. ST. LO (CVE-63), during action against major Japanese forces during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Jones’ outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ralph Melgrim Jones, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Escort Scouting Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VS-26), embarked from the U.S.S. Sangamon, during the assault on and occupation of French Morocco, November 8 – 11, 1942. While leading a section of airplanes in the initial attack on Port Lyautey, Lieutenant Jones, suddenly aware that one of his comrades was being attacked by a hostile fighter, courageously maneuvered to challenge the assailant and succeeded, with only a .30 caliber machine gun, in forcing the enemy craft to withdraw, thereby extricating his comrade from a perilous situation. Later, upon discovering that an enemy anti-aircraft battery was menacing our forces, Lieutenant Jones, flying at dangerously low altitude, sought out and vigorously attacked the gun positions. Despite the serious damage which his plane had received, he displayed superb airmanship in maintaining control until a safe landing was made aboard the carrier. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.