William A. Jones III

Colonel William Atkinson Jones III was a highly decorated officer in the United States Air Force who received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration, for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. Serving as a pilot, his actions during a rescue mission in 1968 demonstrated exemplary bravery under fire, securing his place among the nation's most revered military figures.

Jones began his military journey during the World War II era, earning campaign medals for his service in the Asiatic-Pacific theater. Over his career, he transitioned into the newly formed United States Air Force, where he achieved the rating of Command Pilot. His service spanned multiple decades and major global conflicts, reflecting a lifelong commitment to military aviation and duty.

His legacy is defined by his ultimate sacrifice and conspicuous gallantry in Southeast Asia. Despite sustaining severe burns and injuries during a rescue attempt of a downed pilot, he successfully flew his damaged aircraft back to base and passed on vital intelligence before receiving medical attention. He remains one of the iconic aviators of the Vietnam War.