Robert Jones

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert Jones, Steward’s Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a Petty Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. INTREPID (CV-11), in action against enemy Japanese forces when his ship was attacked by a Japanese dive bomber from the starboard side of the ship in Philippine waters during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on 29 October 1944. Trained and assigned to a gun tub on the port side of the INTREPID, Steward’s Mate Third Class Jones was in position on 29 October 1944, when a Japanese dive bomber attacked the ship from starboard, aiming directly for Steward’s Mate Third Class Jones’ position. Grabbing his 20-mm. anti-aircraft gun and pointing it across the flight deck, he immediately began firing. He remained at his post and continued to shoot until the plane finally crashed, its wings shot off, into the gun tub, severely burning the him, injuring others and killing 10 of his fellow gun crew. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert Jones, Hospital Corpsman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jones distinguished himself by intrepid actions while serving as a Corpsman attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362), First Marine Aircraft Wing. His unquestionable valor in close combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.