Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Fleet Sound School Squadron, Fleet Sound School, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1944

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Edward Harral Jones (NSN: 0-10847), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Fleet Sound School Squadron and Fleet Sound School, Key West, Florida. Captain Jones, by his energetic devotion to duty, untiring and zealous efforts, clear cut initiative and vision, intelligent planning, complete knowledge of his task, and inspiring leadership, established the Fleet Sound School, Key West, Florida, in December 1940, and developed it to its present high state of effectiveness thereby contributing materially to the United States success in anti-submarine warfare by providing trained personnel to the types of vessels engaged in such warfare. Captain Jones' outstanding performance of duty during this period reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 249

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. Augusta (CA-31), 8th Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1944

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Edward Harral Jones (NSN: 0-10847), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. AUGUSTA (CA-31), during the Allied Invasion of Southern France in August 1944. On 19 August 1944, operating within easy range of hostile shore artillery, Captain Jones, demonstrating outstanding professional skill and fearless determination, led a heavy cruiser and a battleship in reconnaissance in force against the formidable batteries of Saint Mandrier in the Bay of Toulon and fired with damaging effect on this important enemy position. On subsequent occasions, while under intense fire from heavy shore defenses, he delivered gunfire in support of Allied troops resulting in the destruction of an enemy headquarters, the dispersion of hostile troop concentrations and the neutralization of many casemated coastal defense batteries. His aggressive and vigorous conduct of shore bombardment missions materially assisted in the initial seizure of the beachhead and in the rapid advance of the Allied Armies in the assault on and the final capitalization of the ports of Toulon and Marseille. The exceptional courage, intrepid and resolute action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Captain Jones were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 5918

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. Augusta (CA-31), 12th Fleet, U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1945

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Edward Harral Jones (NSN: 0-10847), United States Navy, for meritorious performance of duty during the assault on the coast of Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. Captain Jones was in command of the Flagship of the Commander, Western Naval Task Force, until 1 July 1944. The Commanding General of the FIRST U.S. Army Headquarters were established ashore. During the assault and subsequent operations, he handled his ship with skill, contributing to the successful accomplishment of the missions of the Army and Navy Commanders concerned. The U.S.S. AUGUSTA (CA-31) carried out assigned gunfire missions. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander 12th Fleet: Serial 1031
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Gold Star in lieu

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

U.S.S. Augusta (CA-31), U.S. Navy