Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Ensign Herbert C. Jones, who served in the United States Navy from 1935 to 1941.
Herbert C. Jones enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in May of 1935 at the age of 17. After receiving Midshipmen’s training on the drill boat Prairie State, he was commissioned an ensign in November of 1940. A couple of weeks later, he reported to the USS California in Pearl Harbor.
On December 7, 1941, he was on the deck of the California when Japan launched an air raid on Pearl Harbor.
During the first wave of the attack, the California sustained hits from a bomb and a torpedo. After rescuing an injured sailor from a smoke-filled compartment, Jones took command of an anti-aircraft battery as the second wave of the attack began. He fired his guns until he was out of ammunition. The torpedo hit had rendered the ship’s ammunition hoist useless. Jones then organized a party of volunteers to pass ammunition up by hand, but just as the rounds reached the battery, another bomb hit the ship, wounding Jones. He then refused evacuation out of fear for the lives of his rescuers.
Herbert C. Jones died on December 7, 1941. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1943, the escort ship Herbert C. Jones was named in his honor.
We honor your service, Herbert.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Veterans History Project
This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.
Contributors:
Graphic designer: Nicki Lumbre
Editor: Jenna Robles
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What a tough sailor Herbert C. Jones. My Grandfather was on USS Nevada that terrible day. He survived retired Pipefitter Chief Petty Officer. I miss him.