Introduction

Claud Ashton Jones (07 October 1885 to 08 August 1948) was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, and a Medal of Honour recipient.

Biography

Born in Fire Creek, West Virginia, he graduated from the Naval Academy in 1907, 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 Honour for his heroism while serving as engineering officer on USS Memphis (CA-10) when his ship was wrecked by a wind-driven tsunami 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 attaché at London.

As Rear Admiral from 09 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. In addition, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science by West Virginia University on 18 May 1942.

Rear Admiral Jones died in Charleston, West Virginia, 08 August 1948. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Virginia.

Medal of Honour Citation

Rank and organization: Commander, United States Navy. Born: October 7, 1885, Fire Creek, W.Va. Accredited to: West Virginia. (August 1, 1932.)

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 while anchored off Santo Domingo City, August 29, 1916. Lt. 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 steampipes bursting about him in clouds of scalding steam, with thousands of tons of water coming down upon him and in almost complete darkness, Lt. 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, Lt. Jones, accompanied by 2 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. Lt. Jones’ action on this occasion was above and beyond the call of duty.

Namesake

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

The Claud A. Jones Award is an award presented annually by the American Society of Naval Engineers since 1987 to a fleet or field engineer, who has made significant contributions to improving operational engineering or material readiness of the maritime forces of the United States. Jones served as president of the Society in 1941.

Personal

Jones was married to Margaret Cox Jones (15 November 1890 to 20 April 1967). They had a son and a daughter. His daughter Margaret “Peggy” Jones Wyllie (27 February 1924 to 13 July 2016) served as the sponsor for USS Claud Jones. His wife and son are buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery.

His son Frank Cox Jones (09 February 1917 to 08 August 2004) followed in his footsteps as an engineering officer. Frank Jones graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1938, was himself promoted to rear admiral in 1965, and served as president of the American Society of Naval Engineers from 1968 to 1969 before retiring from active duty in 1974. Since 2006, the Society has presented the annual Frank C. Jones Award for major maintenance and alteration achievements.