After his recovery, Jones was assigned as first lieutenant and platoon leader to the 83rd Company, 1st Battalion, and participated in Battle of Soissons during July 1918.

In September 1941, Jones was appointed chief of staff of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.

Resourceful in battle exigencies and analyzing enemy tactics, he coordinated the efforts of the units under his command and led his Regiment in unrelenting attacks against the Japanese.

Seizing assigned objectives despite fanatic resistance and annihilating thousands of the enemy, he was continually in the field throughout the operation, visiting his front line units and coordinating their efforts.

His inspiring leadership, professional ability and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Colonel Jones and the United States Naval Service.

Jones participated in the following Battle of Okinawa and was decorated with the Legion of Merit and the division was awarded a Navy Presidential Unit Citation.

His 1st Division, with Major General Dewitt Peck in command, was tasked with repatriating more than 650,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians still resident in that part of China.

For his service in North China, Jones was decorated with his third Legion of Merit by the army and also received Order of the Cloud and Banner, 4th Class personally from Chiang Kai-shek.