Born in 1921, Died of Wounds: 28 February 1945

PFC. Walter W. Jones was a Rifleman/Infantryman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division that landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

He was born, 1921 in Blytheville, Mississippi County, Arkansas. He lived in Burdette, Arkansas at the time of his enlistment, he volunteered for military service.

His Father, Walter Pinkney Jones, served in World War I, and succumbed to illness, and later died, from illness received during his service.

He served and trained in the United States at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. After fully trained as an Infantryman, he shipped to England for further training and preparation in December of 1943. He married Glorine, shortly before shipping out to Europe.

Pvt. Jones landed on Omaha Beach, Dog Red Sector, where he fought his way off that beach, going on to fight across France. In the winter of 1944, his unit prepared, finally crossing the Rhine River. After a number of attempts, the regiment successfully crossed the Rhine, always under heavy opposition. He was promoted to Private First Class on 1 February 1945.

He died of wounds received the night of 28 February 1945, in Serrest, Westphahlia, Germany in the area of Dürselen. Germany later surrendered just a few months later in May of 1945.

PFC Jones distinguished himself in combat, earning the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Ribbon with Battle Stars. He also received the American Service Ribbon and National Defense Ribbon.

Walter Wesley Jones, PFC, U S Army is buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery, Märgraten, Netherlands in Plot L., Row 8, Grave 20.

“No greater love hath a man that lays down his life for his comrades”

Official Siver Star Citation 5 May, 1945:

Under the provisions of AR 600-45, as amended, and under authority contained in Memorandum No. 34, Headquarters, Ninth United States Army, 8 September 1944, The Silver Star is posthumously awarded to the following enlisted man.

PFC. Walter W. Jones 36062841, 116th Inf., U S Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy in Germany.

On 25 February 1945, the leading platoon of Company F of which PFC Jones was automatic rifleman, had advanced within four hundred yards of the town of Serrest when it was suddenly fired upon by an enemy self-propelled gun.

PFC Jones, completely disregarding the intense enemy fire and his own safety, continued to advance, returning fire with his automatic rifle. Although he became the direct target of the enemy weapon, he nevertheless kept a heavy volume of fire upon the position until a tank arrived and neutralized the weapon. PFC Jones purposely drew fire from the SP, continuously moving away from his platoon to draw fire to himself, and keep his men safe.

His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Military Service. Entered Military Service from Kentucky.