Thomas Jones graduated from the Army Aviation School in 1969, and shortly after began operating search and rescue missions in Vietnam. He was assigned to the 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry's A-troop, and to the Bell UH-1H Helicopter dubbed “7-4-1.” One of Jones' main responsibilities was to deposit and retrieve troops from hot zones of war-stricken Vietnam.
Jones was on a medical evacuation mission along with three other helicopters assigned to pull 320 troops from a battlefield when they were fired upon, and Jones was struck with shrapnel to the neck. With his communication line cut during the fire-fight, and despite being severely injured, he insisted that they drop their troops and return for those left behind to save their lives. Jones continued his tour in Vietnam until his dismissal in 1970.
For his service, he received, the Army Aviation Badge - Helicopter Pilot, Air Medal with "V" Device, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Silver Star, and the Purple Heart.
