On March 2, 1945 General MacArthur came to Corregidor for the flag raising ceremony following the recapture of the fortress. Colonel Jones called the Honor Guard to attention, turned to face MacArthur, saluted and said, “Sir, I present you the Fortress Corregidor.” General MacArthur with deep emotion said: “Colonel Jones, the capture of Corregidor is one of the most brillant operations in military history. Outnumbered two to one, your command by its unfaltering courage, its invincible determination, and its professional skill overcame all obstacles and annihilated the enemy. I have cited to the order of the day all units involved, and I take great pride in awarding you as their commander the Distinguished Service Cross as a symbol of the fortitude, the devotion, and the bravery with which you have fought. I see the old flagpole still stands. Have your troops hoist the colors to its peak, and let no enemy ever haul them down.”

EDITORS NOTE: This information for BG Jones was provided by Robert Flynn, Historian, 503rd Parachute R.C.T. CITATION: Brigadier General George M. Jones, USA, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of his extraordinary heroism while serving as a colonel on Corregidor, Philippine Islands during the period 16-25 February 1945. Colonel Jones, completely disregarding his own safety, personally led and directed the invasion force in the successful operation which resulted in the capture of Corregidor. Parachuting to earth from the first flight of planes bearing his unit over the objective, he immediately made a personal reconnaissance of enemy positions. On two occasions following the landing he made personal reconnaissance, crossing open terrain under intense enemy fire in order to obtain first-hand information on location and progress of operations. On 17 February, he assisted the amphibious landing of a battalion under intense enemy fire, met each wave as it landed on the beach, indicated dispersal areas and located enemy positions for the battalion commander. On 18 February, when a heavy explosion in the Malinta Hill Area caused a number of casualties and resulted in recurring explosions and danger from land slides, he led a search party to the scene under intense rifle and mortar fire, directed rescue operations, and personally surveyed the damage. Throughout the entire action his sound military judgment, aggressiveness, and outstanding leadership encouraged his troops to the capture of Corregidor and the complete annihilation of a numerically superior force. His outstanding professional ability and inspiring example to his troops was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

BG Jones joined the L.O.V. in 1978 and resided in Arizona.