William A. Jones: A-1 Skyraider Hero landed while severely burned

Awarded Medal of Honor for saving downed pilot

When an F-4 Phantom II pilot was shot down in Vietnam, William was sent to find him with the rescue helicopters. Taking fire from an anti aircraft gun, William’s Skyraider was hit and his ejection seat rocket fired inside the cockpit burning him severely. He attacked the gun with rockets and machine guns, letting the following planes know where it was. He knew where the Phantom pilot was located, but his radio was shot up, his plane on fire, and he was burning. Knowing time was essential, he flew back to base while on fire, was extracted from the plane and while on the operating table managed to tell them where the pilot was located. The F-4 pilot was then rescued and both men survived.

It is clear that Jones risked his own life and suffered to save others. Valor is in you. Set it free.