SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JOHN H. JONES, RA33721420, Infantry, Heavy Tank
Company, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army. On 30
January 1951, in the vicinity of Wonch'on-ni, Korea, at approximately 1030
hours, the Heavy Tank Company was assaulting an enemy road block with twenty
seven supporting Infantry troops. Sergeant JONES, a tank commander, moved his
tank to a forward position one hundred yards beyond a heavily wooded bend in
the road to neutralize enemy fire coming from the north and from the west.
Four Infantrymen advancing with Sergeant JONEs' tank were taken under terrific
fire from the two positions. One man was immediately killed. The enemy
allowed the other three Infantrymen to group together in an attempt to recover
the body of the dead soldier and his weapon, but then commenced firing with
machine guns, rifles, and mortars. Sergeant JONES faced his tank to the west
and ordered his crew to fire on enemy fortifications in that direction. He
in complete disregard for his own personal safety, climbed outside of his
tank and standing exposed to the enemy commenced firing with his heavy machine
gun. He stood exposed in this position for more than ten minutes while
receiving a terrific amount of small arms fire over the turret of his tank.
The machine gun he was firing was hit several times, the ammunition box
destroyed, and baggage fastened to the turret of the tank was riddled by enemy
bullets. He remained in his position until the three Infantrymen withdrew
to a safe position with the body and weapon of their fallen comrade. Sergeant
JONES' display of skill and courage reflect great credit upon himself and
the military service. Entered the military service from the State of Maryland.

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