Honoring Thomas Willie Jones Member of the Vietnam Veterans of America for his acts of Heroism

Home Browse Search

RESOLUTION NO. 4 2 7 7-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA,HONORING THOMAS "WILLIE"JONES,A MEMBER OF THE VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA FOR HIS ACTS OF HEROISM Offemerei the South Bend Common Council notes that on August 7, 1942, Congress established the "Navy and Marine Corps Medal"which is the senior peacetime award for heroism; and Wereeett the "Navy and Marine Corps Medal" is awarded to a person who has "distinguished oneself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy for acts of lifesaving, or attempted lifesaving...at the risk of one's own life"; and OZexe the "Navy and Marine Corps Medal" was first bestowed during World War II, with one of the first recipients awarded the medal being John F. Kennedy who was the Commanding Officer of the Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 for his valiant rescue of fellow officers; and Werea4 the Common Council notes that Thomas "Willie" Jones, a graduate of Washington High School in South Bend, entered the service at the age of 18; was assigned Service# 591-76-89 and served on the U.S.S. Greenwhich Bay as a member of a Navy-Marine Reconnaissance Unit; and �� ere Thomas "Willie" Jones, who achieved the rank of SM3 was a member of the ship's rear starboard 20 mm gun crew. He was the first crew member to discover and locate a 20 mm shell which had been accidently dislodged. Thomas "Willie" Jones, along with Seaman Innocent Harshaw, successfully lobbed the shell overboard saving the crew from a catastrophic explosion. c3% griih re3 Gstt ittfakett Mo ca3ornmon amed046 Ca Woad armed Jau/anas adialoras: Section I. On behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council is pleased to publicly commend & congratulate another special person from South Bend for recently being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, namely Thomas "Willie" Jones who is being recognized for his non-combat acts of heroism during his military service during the Vietnam War. Section II. The Common Council thanks Thomas "Willie" Jones for his service to our country and his service to our community; and wishes him and his many family members and friends the very best, as he continues to enrich South Bend and those around him. Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and ap'roval by the Mayor. 'a1►N Tim v!,-, ct aver . Davis, '. istrict . MON • Henry Davis, r., 2 ' District : -rek D. diet- At Lar_e hey, 3r' District Gavin -rlic, At Large Dr. 'red lic h i ct aren L. White,At Large Dr. David Varner, 5th District Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Attorney \