Claud Ashton Jones

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Claud Ashton Jones
October 7, 1885 - August 8, 1948
Rear Admiral Claud A. Jones (as Captain)
Place of birth	Fire Creek, West Virginia
Place of death	Charleston, West Virginia
Allegiance	USN
Years of service	1906-1946
Rank	Rear Admiral
Awards	Medal of Honor Legion of Merit

Claud Ashton Jones (October 7, 1885 - August 8, 1948) was an admiral in the United States Navy during World War II.

Born in Fire Creek, West Virginia, he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1906, and after several years of duty at sea, did graduate study leading to a master of science degree at Harvard University.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism while serving as engineering officer in USS Memphis when his ship was wrecked by a hurricane off Santo Domingo City 29 August 1916. Most of his remaining service was in engineering billets ashore and afloat, with a tour of duty as assistant naval attache at London.

As Rear Admiral from 9 October 1941, he served in the Bureau of Ships throughout World War II, working in the shipbuilding program, and as an assistant chief of the bureau. For his exceptionally meritorious service he was awarded the Legion of Merit.

Rear Admiral Jones died in Charleston, West Virginia, 8 August 1948.

The ship USS Claud Jones (DE 1033) was named for him, the lead ship of four, of a class of ocean escorts.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a senior engineer officer on board the U.S.S. Memphis, at a time when the vessel was suffering total destruction from a hurricane {sic} while anchored off Santo Domingo City, 29 August 1916. Lieutenant Jones did everything possible to get the engines and boilers ready, and if the elements that burst upon the vessel had delayed for a few minutes, the engines would have saved the vessel. With boilers and steam pipes bursting about him in clouds of scalding steam, with thousands of tons of water coming down upon him and in almost total darkness, Lieutenant Jones nobly remained at his post as long as the engines would turn over, exhibiting the most supreme unselfish heroism which inspired the officers and men who were with him. When the boilers exploded, Lieutenant Jones, accompanied by two of his shipmates, rushed into the firerooms and drove the men there out, dragging some, carrying others to the engineroom, where there was air to be breathed instead of steam. Lieutenant Jones' action on this occasion was above and beyond the call of duty."