Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

For action performed on 22 and 23 November 1943, on the island Betio, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands.

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel (Lieutenant-colonel)

Unit:

1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to William Kenefick Jones (0-5747), Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Marianas Islands, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. When companies under his command landed out of position on three separate beaches, Lieutenant Colonel 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 16 June, bore the brunt of a hostile tank attack in which twenty-four Japanese tanks were destroyed. His gallantry under fire and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Jones and the United States Naval Service.