| Murphy N. Jones |
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| Rank, Service |
| Colonel O-6, U.S. Air Force |
| Veteran of: |
U.S. Air Force 1960-1981
Cold War 1960-1981
Vietnam War 1964-1973 (POW)
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| Tribute: |
Murphy Jones was born in 1938 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was commissioned through Air Force ROTC on May 30, 1960, and graduated from pilot training in August 1961. Jones first flew combat missions in Vietnam in November and December 1964 while on temporary duty from Japan and then again from June to August 1965, in December 1965, in January 1966, in May 1966, and in June 1966. On June 29, 1966, he was forced to eject from his F-105 Thunderchief while on a combat mission over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War. Col Jones spent the next 2,420 days in captivity before being released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. After being hospitalized following his return, Jones served with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona, at the Air War College at Maxwell AFB in Alabama, and at Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon. Colonel Jones retired from the Air Force on December 31, 1981.
His Silver Star Citation reads:
This officer distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. This American resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. |
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