[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 20, 1995)]
[House]
[Pages H9356-H9357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     G.V. MONTGOMERY COMMENDATION FOR COL. JAMES MATTHEW JONES JR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Montgomery] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate Col. James 
Matthew Jones, Jr. who will retire from the Army in September. Colonel 
Jones faithfully served his country with the Army over the last 32 
years and due to his outstanding effort and ability, deserves 
recognition at this time.
  Colonel Jones enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 17, 1963. After 
completing basic training at Fort Gordon, GA, and advanced training at 
Fort Jackson, SC, he was assigned to Korea with the First Cavalry 
Division. He completed this tour of duty in May 1965 and was assigned 
to Fort Story, VA, prior to going to Officer Candidate School [OCS] at 
Fort Benning, GA, in March 1966. He was commissioned a second 
lieutenant of infantry on 22 September 1966 and assigned to Fort Polk, 
LA, where he served as a company executive officer and company 
commander. In July 1967 he was assigned to Vietnam with the 1st 
Battalion, 327th Infantry (Airborne), 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne 
Division, where he served as Rifle platoon leader, company executive 
officer and company commander. During this tour, he was wounded in 
action, but refused to be evacuated. He was, however, awarded the 
Purple Heart.
  In August 1968, first lieutenant Jones returned to the States where 
he was promoted to captain and assigned to Fort Benning, GA, and the 
Infantry Officer Advanced Course. He returned to Vietnam and the 1st 
Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, where he served as a 
company commander and Battalion operations officer (S-3). During his 
two tours--2 years--of combat and as a small unit leader, he did not 
have one soldier killed in combat under his command. On the other hand, 
his soldiers killed and captured more enemy and equipment than like-
size units. He returned from Vietnam in November 1971, spent 2 years on 
the staff at Fort Meade, MD, and graduated with honors from Morgan 
State University in 1975 under the Army Degree Completion Program. 
Captain Jones was subsequently assigned to Fort Bragg, NC, and the 2d 
Battalion (Airborne) 505th Airborne Infantry, 82d Airborne Division. 
While there he served as battalion adjutant and operations officer.
  In November 1977, now Major Jones was assigned to the 25th Infantry 
Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. His assignments included 
Brigade adjutant, officer management, and Battalion executive officer. 
Major Jones returned to the United States to attend the Command and 
General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, in the summer of 1980. 
He graduated as a member of the centennial class in June 1981. His 
follow-on assignment was with the Department of the Army Inspector 
General in the Pentagon.
  In 1982 he was selected for lieutenant colonel and battalion 
commander of the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry 
Division, Fort Ord, CA. During the next 2 years he led the unit through 
numerous successful field training exercises. Relinquishing command in 
July 1984, Lieutenant Colonel Jones attended the U.S. Army War College 
at Carlisle, PA, graduating in June 1985. He was assigned to 

[[Page H 9357]]
OCLL as a liaison officer in the U.S. House of Representatives and 
later as a colonel and chief of the House Liaison Division. In June 
1989, Colonel Jones assumed command of the 11th Infantry Regiment at 
Fort Benning, GA. Relinquishing command in July 1991, he served as the 
director of the Army's family support program for a short period of 
time prior to returning to OCLL as the deputy chief.
  Col. Jim Jones is culminating his service as chief, Congressional 
Inquiry Division. He effectively used his vast knowledge of the Army, 
his personal communications skills, and his management abilities to 
tell the Army story. He had personal and daily contact with members of 
Congress and key committee staff providing critical information. 
Colonel Jones guided and personally assisted U.S. Representatives in 
verbal and written responses to consistency resulting in strengthened 
relationships while promoting the Army's interest and professional 
image to Congress.
  Colonel Jones is indeed the quintessential officer. His selfless 
service, love for soldiers, commitment to excellence, and caring 
professionalism have continually provided inspiration to those with 
whom he has served. This exceptional officer truly personifies those 
traits of courage, competency, and integrity our nation has come to 
expect from our Army officers. He has served our Nation well and our 
heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for continued success go with 
him as he prepares for his next endeavor.


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