William K. Jones | |
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Lieutenant General William K. Jones
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Birth name | William Kenefick Jones |
Born |
Joplin, Missouri |
October 23, 1916
Died | April 15, 1998 Alexandria, Virginia |
(aged 81)
Buried at | Arlington National Cemetery |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1936 – 1972 |
Rank | Lieutenant General |
Unit | 1st Battalion 6th Marines |
Commands held |
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Battles/wars | |
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William Kenefick Jones (October 23, 1916 – April 15, 1998) was a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general and a highly decorated veteran of three wars, receiving the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. He was a battalion commander in World War II; a regimental commander just after the Korean War; and a division commander during the Vietnam War. LtGen Jones' last command was the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He served in the Marine Corps for 33 years, retiring from active duty in 1972.
William Kenefick Jones was born on October 23, 1916 in Joplin, Missouri. He was raised in Kansas City, Missouri where he graduated from Southwest High School in 1933. In 1936, while in college, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, attending the Platoon Leaders' Class in San Diego, California during the summers. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1937 from the University of Kansas.
Jones was commissioned a Reserve second lieutenant on January 31, 1938; was called to active duty on September 29, 1939. He completed the Reserve Officers' Course at Quantico, Virginia, in November 1939; then joined the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. He remained with the 1st Battalion for almost six years, including all of World War II. In November 1940, he was integrated into the regular Marine Corps.