MARCH AROUND THE WORLD

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to FIRST LIEUTENANT ALAN M. JONES UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

"For meritorious service on Okinawa while serving with the Third Marine division and subsequently for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the First Marine Division from 7 April 1970 to 4 April 1971. Throughout this period, First Lieutenant Jones performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Following his initial assignment with the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division on Okinawa, he was reassigned as a Platoon Commander with Company G, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 September 1970. Diligently training his men, he quickly molded them into a cohesive and aggressive fighting team fully capable of responding to any tactical situation. Participating in several major combat operations, including Operations Upshur Stream and Imperial Lake, as well as in numerous night ambushes, he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage, composure, and tactical skills during critical situations. Subsequently assuming command of the Company on 20 January 1971, First Lieutenant Jones continued to distinguish himself by his outstanding performance of duty which was characterized by the skillful tactical maneuvering of his men, resulting in the location and destruction of numerous enemy rocket sites intended to damage the DaNang Vital Area. A particularly noteworthy example of his courage and determination occurred when he was wounded by enemy fire during a riverboat patrol near the village of Thon Trung Luong in Quang Nam Province. Despite suffering pain, he repeatedly exposed himself to the intense hostile fire to direct the activities of his men until the enemy was forced to break contact and retreat. First Lieutenant Jones's dynamic leadership, high degree of professionalism, and steadfast devotion to duty throughout his tour on Okinawa and in the Republic of Vietnam contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his command's missions and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States."