On National Navajo Code Talkers Day, today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Marine Veteran Jack Jones, who served as a Code Talker during World War II.
Jack Jones was born in Montezuma Creek, Utah. He later took up boxing and eventually became the featherweight boxing champion during his time in school. He also took up painting homes as his career. Because he had trouble finding steady employment, Jones enlisted in the Marine Corps as a Navajo Code Talker after World War II broke out.
Jones was stationed in Australia before taking part in the Battle of Peleliu. Here, Jones and his unit took heavy fire from the Japanese. He was injured by a bomb blast while digging foxholes upon arrival to Palau island. He was unconscious and was taken to the hospital, where he spent months recovering before being discharged in October 1945.
Jones earned the Purple Heart, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and various other medals.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Contributors
Editor: Ifeoma Ikedeonwu
Graphic artist: Damin Jung
Fact Checker: Cory Mikell
Topics in this story
More Stories
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Navy Veteran Ken Mattingly, who served as a pilot during the 1950s and later became an astronaut during the Apollo missions.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Air Force Veteran Gavino Cavazos, who served from 1949 to 1973 during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
This week’s Honoring Veterans Spotlight honors the service of Army Veteran Howard Brown, who served during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1969 and the Gulf War from 1969 to 1992.
I am Alex Ayson, disabled veteran with over 23 years of service. I am a handy man, master of none and could use a tool box. I appreciate it if you could afford to give one
I retired from the air force in 2003 but I am still having trouble adjusting. I like to tinker with things and would really like a tool box. Thank you for all you do.
Retired MSgt Kim Grimes
Men like Jack were the secret weapon that turned the war around for the Americans and their allies. They contributed to winning the war. Thank you for your service Jack.x
Thank you for your service! The Code Talkers were wonderful. Their language was. Never broken! We honor your service Brave warrior!
Thanks for your service Marine!
We honor the service of Jack Jones.