George L. Jones

For the American serial killer, see George Lamar Jones.

George L. Jones
Lieutenant Colonel George L. Jones (right) with fellow aces Gabby Gabreski (left) and William T. Whisner Jr. in Korea, 1950
Born	(1918-05-12)May 12, 1918 New York City
Died	February 18, 1997(1997-02-18) (aged 78)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army Air Forces United States Army
Rank	Colonel
Conflicts	Korean War
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (3)

George Lamar Jones (12 May 1918 – 18 February 1997) was a United States Air Force flying ace during the Korean War, shooting down six enemy aircraft, with an additional shared victory credit, for a total of 6.5 victories in the war.

Early life and military career

George L. Jones was born on May 12, 1918, in New York, New York, and moved to Titusville, Florida, during his youth. After completing college, he became a U.S. Army Lieutenant serving in the 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. In 1941, he was assigned to the 97th Observation Squadron, and served in various stateside posts during WWII flying anti-submarine missions. In 1945, he was attached to the 21st Fighter Squadron and later the 34th Fighter Squadron where he was a flight leader on fighter aircraft missions during the Battle of Okinawa. During the Korean War, as a Lt. Col., he became America's 30th Jet Ace for downing 6.5 enemy MiG's.

Awards

Jones was awarded the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

See also

• List of Korean War flying aces

References

Sources

• Gurney, Gene (1958), Five Down and Glory: A History of the American Air Ace, New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, ISBN 0-405-03764-3, (1972 Arno Press edition) {{citation}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
• Varhola, Michael J. (2000), Fire and Ice: The Korean War, 1950–1953, Mason City, IA: Da Capo Press, ISBN 978-1-882810-44-4