AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  GWOT
MODEL:  B-52H

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (With Valor) to Major Joseph C. Jones for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Navigator, 23d Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 457th Air Expeditionary Group, Royal Air Force Fairford, United Kingdom, on 10 April 2003. On that date, Major Jones demonstrated superior airmanship and courage under extremely hazardous combat conditions while employing his B-52 aircraft against heavily defended SA-2 and SA-3 missile sites, missile facilities and armored emplacements. Tasked to provide close air support to Task Force Twenty and the urban Baghdad mission in the vicinity of Kirkuk and K-2 airfield, Major Jones was targeted against Republican Guard armor positions. He disregarded his own personal safety and attacked targets in a threat concentration area, despite performance and weapon limitations related to an aft main gear that would not retract. In addition, no suppression of enemy air defense assets were available to assist in the defense of Major Jones' aircraft. Major Jones' B-52 came under heavy fire by large caliber antiaircraft artillery and was engaged by an SA-3 target tracking radar. During the first two attacks Major Jones destroyed five enemy tanks. On the third engagement, he was tasked to attack the very surface-to-air missile sites that had attempted to destroy his B-52 during the previous two bomb runs. Major Jones again disregarded his own safety to destroy the enemy missile batteries. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Jones reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.