George M. Jones
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George M. Jones (February 22, 1911 - December 16, 1996) was a U.S. Army Brigadier General most notable for leading the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in World War II.
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[edit] Military career
Jones graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1936 (graduate #10439). After his graduation, he was assigned to the Canal Zone where he commanded the 501st Parachute Battalion, one of the original parachute regiments. At the outbreak of World War II he was sent to the Pacific Theatre to command the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, the only independent airborne regiment in that theatre. (The 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 11th Airborne Division was also in New Guinea and made combat jumps in the Philippines during the war.) There his unit acted as a strategic reserve for General MacArthur and participated in prominent military operations including the liberation of Corregidor Island. Later on Jones became the Director of Training for the army's parachute school. After World War II, Jones would served in the army for 33 years. Among his notable positions included being Chief of Staff of the XVIII Airborne Corps, Chief of Staff of the Fifth US Army and commander of the Special Warfare Center. He retired with the rank of Brigadier General.
[edit] Decorations
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster
- Bronze Star
- Air Medal
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Combat Infantryman Badge
[edit] See also
[edit] References
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates and Former Cadets, 1997 Edition, page 219.
