William K. Jones
Encyclopedia
William Kenefick Jones was a United States Marine Corps
lieutenant general
and a highly decorated veteran of three wars, receiving the Navy Cross
, the Silver Star
, the Bronze Star
, and the Purple Heart
. He was a battalion commander in World War II
; a regimental commander just after the Korean War
; and a division commander during the Vietnam War
. LtGen Jones' last command was the Fleet Marine Force
, Pacific. He served in the Marine Corps for 33 years, retiring from active duty in 1972.
. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri
where he graduated form Southwest High School in 1933. In 1936, while in college, he
joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, attending the Platoon Leaders' Class in San Diego, California
during the summers. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree
in 1937 from the University of Kansas
.
, 6th Marines. He remained with the 1st Battalion for almost six years, including all of World War II
. In November 1940, he was integrated into the regular Marine Corps.
In May 1941, he deployed with the 6th Marines for Iceland as part of the 1st Marine Brigade. He returned to the United States in March 1942. In Spring 1942, he was promoted to first lieutenant and, shortly after, to captain.
with the 1/6. He was a company executive officer (XO) with the 1/6 when he participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal
. He then served as a company commander and the 1/6 XO. He was promoted to Major in May 1943.
In September 1943, he took command of the 1st Battalion, becoming the youngest commander of a Marine battalion. During the Battle of Tarawa
, the 1/6 under the then-Major Jones, "engaged more of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat on Betio than any other unit". He earned a Silver Star
and a field promotion to lieutenant colonel for his "gallantry in action" in November 1943 at Tarawa.
His citation reads in part:
He fought with valor in Battle of Saipan
, for which he received the Navy Cross
. His citation reads:
After Tarawa, he also fought at Tinian
and Okinawa
.
, then complied in a book and published by the Gazette in 1948.
From August 1948 to August 1950 he served in Sweden
as Assistant Naval Attache for Air at the American Embassy in Stockholm
.
From August 1950 until February 1952, he served as Head of the Operations Subsection in the G-3 Section, Division of Plans and Policies, Headquarters Marine Corps. In February 1952, he became Head of the Operations and Training Branch. He was promoted in rank to colonel in August 1952. From June 1953 to September 1953, he served as Assistant G-3 at Headquarters Marine Corps.
to serve as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Division. In February 1954, he took command of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division — which post he held until his returning to the States in July 1954. For his service in Korea
he was awarded the Bronze Star
.
In July 1958, Jones assumed command of the Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
, South Carolina. He held this command until July 1960 when he entered the Naval War College
in Newport, Rhode Island
. Upon completing the course in Naval Warfare, he was assigned to the Pentagon
as Chief, General Operations Division, J-3, Operations Directorate, Joint Staff, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
, in July 1961. He served in this capacity until September 1962, when he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. On October 1, 1962, he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
, General David Shoup
.
In March 1964, General Jones assumed command of Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force
, Pacific, and Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms
, California.
. He was sent to the Vietnam in December 1965, serving as Director, Combat Operations Center, Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command in Saigon, Vietnam (MACV). For services during this tour, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
. He was promoted to major general in November 1966. He returned the States in December, where he remained for two years before his second tour in Vietnam.
From January 1, 1967 to March 1, 1969, he served as Deputy Director of Personnel, Headquarters Marine Corps. For his service during this time, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
.
He returned to Vietnam April 1969, taking command of the 3rd Marine Division. The Division conducted extensive combat operation near the DMZ
from April to November of that year. In November 1969, the 3rd Marine Division was redeployed to Okinawa, Japan. While in Japan, in addition to command of the division, Jones became the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Task Force 79 of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
For exceptionally meritorious service from April 1969 to April 1970, as Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam and as Commanding General of I MEF on Okinawa, he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Distinguished Service Medal. He was also decorated by the government of Vietnam, being awarded the National Order of Vietnam, 4th Class, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Chuong My-1st Class Medal.
was confirmed by the U.S. Senate
on May 12, 1970, with promotion effective on July 1, 1970.
On July 1, 1970, he assumed his last duty assignment as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, serving until his retirement from active duty on September 1, 1972. He was awarded a third award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his during this assignment.
In 1987, Jones penned the book A brief History of the 6th Marines, published by the Marine Corps' History and Museums Division.
LtGen Jones died on April 15, 1998 in Alexandria, Virginia
of a stroke. He was buried with full military honors
in Arlington National Cemetery
.
and the uncle of General James L. Jones, Jr.
, the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps
. His son Charles Jones is a journalist and the author of Boys of '67, which tells the story of three Marines who completed the Basic School in 1967 — Major General Ray Smith
, Lieutenant General Martin Steele
, and his first cousin General James L. Jones, Jr. William K. Jones was also the father of Carol Jones Hatton, Lt. Col. William K. Jones, Jr., and another son, Hugh M. Jones, who died in 1965. He was the grandfather of ten grandchildren.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
lieutenant general
Lieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
and a highly decorated veteran of three wars, receiving the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
, the Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
, the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
, and the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
. He was a battalion commander in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
; a regimental commander just after the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
; and a division commander during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. LtGen Jones' last command was the Fleet Marine Force
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
, Pacific. He served in the Marine Corps for 33 years, retiring from active duty in 1972.
Biography
William Kenefick Jones was born on October 23, 1916 in Joplin, MissouriJoplin, Missouri
Joplin is a city in southern Jasper County and northern Newton County in the southwestern corner of the US state of Missouri. Joplin is the largest city in Jasper County, though it is not the county seat. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 50,150...
. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
where he graduated form Southwest High School in 1933. In 1936, while in college, he
joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, attending the Platoon Leaders' Class in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
during the summers. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in 1937 from the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
.
Early Marine Corps career
Jones was commissioned a Reserve second lieutenant on January 31, 1938; was called to active duty on September 29, 1939. He completed the Reserve Officers' Course at Quantico, Virginia, in November 1939; then joined the 1st Battalion1st Battalion 6th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 6th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It consists of approximately 1,100 Marines and Sailors...
, 6th Marines. He remained with the 1st Battalion for almost six years, including all of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. In November 1940, he was integrated into the regular Marine Corps.
In May 1941, he deployed with the 6th Marines for Iceland as part of the 1st Marine Brigade. He returned to the United States in March 1942. In Spring 1942, he was promoted to first lieutenant and, shortly after, to captain.
World War II
In October 1942, he deployed to the Pacific theaterSouth West Pacific theatre of World War II
The South West Pacific Theatre, technically the South West Pacific Area, between 1942 and 1945, was one of two designated area commands and war theatres enumerated by the Combined Chiefs of Staff of World War II in the Pacific region....
with the 1/6. He was a company executive officer (XO) with the 1/6 when he participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal campaign
The Guadalcanal Campaign, also known as the Battle of Guadalcanal and codenamed Operation Watchtower by Allied forces, was a military campaign fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943 on and around the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theatre of World War II...
. He then served as a company commander and the 1/6 XO. He was promoted to Major in May 1943.
In September 1943, he took command of the 1st Battalion, becoming the youngest commander of a Marine battalion. During the Battle of Tarawa
Battle of Tarawa
The Battle of Tarawa, code named Operation Galvanic, was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, largely fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region....
, the 1/6 under the then-Major Jones, "engaged more of the enemy in hand-to-hand combat on Betio than any other unit". He earned a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
and a field promotion to lieutenant colonel for his "gallantry in action" in November 1943 at Tarawa.
His citation reads in part:
- ...he exposed himself to withering shellfire to organize and direct a mortar platoon and elements of his headquarters company in a brilliantly executed counterattack against Japanese troops who had broken through his battalion's lines.
He fought with valor in Battle of Saipan
Battle of Saipan
The Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June-9 July 1944. The Allied invasion fleet embarking the expeditionary forces left Pearl Harbor on 5 June 1944, the day before Operation Overlord in Europe was...
, for which he received the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
. His citation reads:
- ...when companies under his command landed out of position on three separate beaches, LtCol. 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 June 16, bore the brunt of a hostile tank attack in which 24 Japanese tanks were destroyed...
After Tarawa, he also fought at Tinian
Battle of Tinian
The Battle of Tinian was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Tinian in the Mariana Islands from 24 July 1944 to 1 August 1944.-Background:...
and Okinawa
Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa, codenamed Operation Iceberg, was fought on the Ryukyu Islands of Okinawa and was the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific War of World War II. The 82-day-long battle lasted from early April until mid-June 1945...
.
1945 to 1953
Jones returned to the States in July 1945 and was assigned to head the Tactics and Techniques Section, of The Basic School. Then from May 1947 until June 1948, he served as the Chief of the Infantry Section, Junior School. He then served briefly in Washington, D.C. During this period, after the war, Jones authored, under the pseudonym "Base Plate McGurk", a series of articles providing advice to young officers. The articles were published in the Marine Corps GazetteMarine Corps Gazette
Marine Corps Gazette is a professional journal for U.S. Marines founded in 1916 at Marine Corps Base Quantico for members of the United States Marine Corps. Begun by then Col John A. Lejeune as the vehicle to launch the Marine Corps Association , the journal is known as "The Professional Journal...
, then complied in a book and published by the Gazette in 1948.
From August 1948 to August 1950 he served in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
as Assistant Naval Attache for Air at the American Embassy in Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
.
From August 1950 until February 1952, he served as Head of the Operations Subsection in the G-3 Section, Division of Plans and Policies, Headquarters Marine Corps. In February 1952, he became Head of the Operations and Training Branch. He was promoted in rank to colonel in August 1952. From June 1953 to September 1953, he served as Assistant G-3 at Headquarters Marine Corps.
Korean War
In September 1953, Jones moved to KoreaKorea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
to serve as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, 1st Marine Division. In February 1954, he took command of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division — which post he held until his returning to the States in July 1954. For his service in Korea
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
he was awarded the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
.
1954 to 1964
From 1954 to 1958, Jones was stationed at Marine Corps Schools, Quantico. From 1954 to 1956, served as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2/G-3. From August 1956 to July 1958, Jones was Commanding Officer of The Basic School, also serving as a member of the Fleet Marine Force Organization and Composition Board from June 1956 to January 1957.In July 1958, Jones assumed command of the Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
, South Carolina. He held this command until July 1960 when he entered the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
. Upon completing the course in Naval Warfare, he was assigned to the Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
as Chief, General Operations Division, J-3, Operations Directorate, Joint Staff, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is a body of senior uniformed leaders in the United States Department of Defense who advise the Secretary of Defense, the Homeland Security Council, the National Security Council and the President on military matters...
, in July 1961. He served in this capacity until September 1962, when he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps. On October 1, 1962, he was promoted to brigadier general and appointed Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
, General David Shoup
David M. Shoup
General David Monroe Shoup, Hon. DSO was a World War II Medal of Honor recipient and the twenty-second Commandant of the United States Marine Corps . After his retirement, he was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War.-Early years:David Monroe Shoup was born on December 30, 1904 in Battle Ground, Indiana...
.
In March 1964, General Jones assumed command of Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force
Fleet Marine Force
The United States Fleet Marine Forces are combined general and special purpose forces within the United States Department of the Navy that are designed in engaging offensive amphibious or expeditionary warfare and defensive maritime employment...
, Pacific, and Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , also known as 29 Palms, is a United States Marine Corps base. It was a census-designated place officially known as Twentynine Palms Base located adjacent to the city of Twentynine Palms in southern San Bernardino County, California. As of the 2000...
, California.
Vietnam War
Jones served with distinction in two combat tours of duty during the Vietnam WarVietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. He was sent to the Vietnam in December 1965, serving as Director, Combat Operations Center, Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command in Saigon, Vietnam (MACV). For services during this tour, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast...
. He was promoted to major general in November 1966. He returned the States in December, where he remained for two years before his second tour in Vietnam.
From January 1, 1967 to March 1, 1969, he served as Deputy Director of Personnel, Headquarters Marine Corps. For his service during this time, he was awarded the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
.
He returned to Vietnam April 1969, taking command of the 3rd Marine Division. The Division conducted extensive combat operation near the DMZ
Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone
The Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone was established as a dividing line between North and South Vietnam as a result of the First Indochina War.During the Second Indochina War , it became important as the battleground demarcation separating North Vietnamese territory from South Vietnamese territory.-...
from April to November of that year. In November 1969, the 3rd Marine Division was redeployed to Okinawa, Japan. While in Japan, in addition to command of the division, Jones became the Commanding General of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Task Force 79 of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.
For exceptionally meritorious service from April 1969 to April 1970, as Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam and as Commanding General of I MEF on Okinawa, he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Distinguished Service Medal. He was also decorated by the government of Vietnam, being awarded the National Order of Vietnam, 4th Class, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Chuong My-1st Class Medal.
Final command
He returned to the United States in May 1970 as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff at Headquarters Marine Corps. His nomination for three-star rankLieutenant General (United States)
In the United States Army, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps, lieutenant general is a three-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-9. Lieutenant general ranks above major general and below general...
was confirmed by the U.S. Senate
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
on May 12, 1970, with promotion effective on July 1, 1970.
On July 1, 1970, he assumed his last duty assignment as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, serving until his retirement from active duty on September 1, 1972. He was awarded a third award of the Distinguished Service Medal for his during this assignment.
In retirement
Jones retired from active duty in 1972. In retirement, he served on the board of directors of the Naval War College.In 1987, Jones penned the book A brief History of the 6th Marines, published by the Marine Corps' History and Museums Division.
LtGen Jones died on April 15, 1998 in Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of 2009, the city had a total population of 139,966. Located along the Western bank of the Potomac River, Alexandria is approximately six miles south of downtown Washington, D.C.Like the rest of northern Virginia, as well as...
of a stroke. He was buried with full military honors
Military funeral
A military funeral is a specially orchestrated funeral given by a country's military for a soldier, sailor, marine or airman who died in battle, a veteran, or other prominent military figures or heads of state. A military funeral may feature guards of honor, the firing of volley shots as a salute,...
in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
.
Awards and decorations
A complete list of LtGen Jones' medals and decorations include:| 1st Row | Navy Cross Navy Cross The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all... |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... w/ 2 award star Award star An award star is a decoration issued to personnel of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in lieu of multiple awards of the same award. An award star is very similar to an oak leaf cluster, which serves the same purpose in the United States Army and United States Air Force... s |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Row | Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... |
Bronze Star Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... |
Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
| 3rd Row | Navy Presidential Unit Citation | American Defense Service Medal American Defense Service Medal The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America’s entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.-Criteria:... |
American Campaign Medal American Campaign Medal The American Campaign Medal was a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal is a military decoration of the United States armed forces which was first created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt... |
| 4th Row | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal is a service decoration of the Second World War which was awarded to any member of the United States military who served in the Pacific Theater from 1941 to 1945 and was created on November 6, 1942 by issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was... w/ 5 service star Service star A service star, also referred to as a battle star, campaign star, or engagement star, is an attachment to a United States military decoration which denotes participation in military campaigns or multiple bestowals of the same award. Service stars are typically issued for campaign medals, service... s |
World War II Victory Medal | National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 service star |
Korean Service Medal Korean Service Medal The Korean Service Medal is an award of the United States military and was created in November 1950 by executive order of President Harry Truman. The Korean Service Medal is the primary United States medal for participation in the Korean War and is awarded to any U.S. service member, who... |
| 5th Row | Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 4 service stars |
Order of Military Merit, Eulji Cordon Medal Order of Military Merit (Korea) The Order of Military Merit is the primary military decoration awarded by the government of Republic of Korea.-Classes of the Order:The order is divided into five classes:Notable recipients... |
National Order of Vietnam, Officer National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... |
National Order of Vietnam, Knight National Order of Vietnam The National Order of Vietnam was a combined military-civilian decoration of South Vietnam and was considered the highest honor that could be bestowed upon an individual by the Republic of Vietnam government.... |
| 6th Row | Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... w/ palm |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... |
United Nations Korea Medal | Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
Family
William K. Jones was the brother of James L. Jones, Sr.James L. Jones, Sr.
Major James Logan Jones, Sr. was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and is considered to be a "co-patron of amphibious reconnaissance" in the Fleet Marine Force. He pioneered the United States' first 'amphib recon' units, the Observer Group and the FMF Amphib Recon companies during World...
and the uncle of General James L. Jones, Jr.
James L. Jones
James Logan Jones, Jr. is the former United States National Security Advisor and a retired United States Marine Corps General....
, the 32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine Corps
The Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
. His son Charles Jones is a journalist and the author of Boys of '67, which tells the story of three Marines who completed the Basic School in 1967 — Major General Ray Smith
Ray L. Smith
Ray L. Smith is a retired United States Marine Corps major general. Smith is a highly decorated Marine who has commanded infantry units at all levels. His awards received for service in combat during the Vietnam War include the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and three Purple...
, Lieutenant General Martin Steele
Martin R. Steele
Martin R. Steele is a retired United States Marine Corps lieutenant general. He served in combat during the Vietnam War and in Operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm. He served for 35 years in the Marine Corps before retiring in 1999. He then became the President and CEO of the Intrepid Sea, Air...
, and his first cousin General James L. Jones, Jr. William K. Jones was also the father of Carol Jones Hatton, Lt. Col. William K. Jones, Jr., and another son, Hugh M. Jones, who died in 1965. He was the grandfather of ten grandchildren.
See also
- Battle of TarawaBattle of TarawaThe Battle of Tarawa, code named Operation Galvanic, was a battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, largely fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region....
- Battle of SaipanBattle of SaipanThe Battle of Saipan was a battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought on the island of Saipan in the Mariana Islands from 15 June-9 July 1944. The Allied invasion fleet embarking the expeditionary forces left Pearl Harbor on 5 June 1944, the day before Operation Overlord in Europe was...
- James L. Jones, Sr.James L. Jones, Sr.Major James Logan Jones, Sr. was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and is considered to be a "co-patron of amphibious reconnaissance" in the Fleet Marine Force. He pioneered the United States' first 'amphib recon' units, the Observer Group and the FMF Amphib Recon companies during World...
, brother - James L. Jones, Jr., LtGen Jones' nephew