THE SUNNY JONES CHAPTER 0049 - THE MILITARY ORDER OF THE PURPLE HEART

The Chapter was named after First Sergeant Henry G. Jones, service number 59540, better known as “Sunny Jones”, (the Chapter’s patron), to his family and friends.  Born on January 24, 1886, he was married to Ms. Inez B. Jones of San Diego, California.  Sunny Jones joined the Marine Corp and was killed in action south of St. Etienne, Champagne Sector, Marne, France, while serving as the 1^st Sergeant of the 97^th  Company, Sixth Regiment, 2^nd U.S. Infantry Division, AEF, France, on or about 18 October 1918 during the Battle of Blanc Mont.

When the Sixth Marine Regiment as formed at Quantico, VA, in late August 1917, the 97^th Company was added to the Third Battalion.  On the night of 18-19 March 1918, the 97^th relieved a French unit at Mont-sous-les-Cote with the 82^nd, 83^rd, and 84^th companies in the frontline trenches and the 97^th Company in reserve.  Note: The 5^th and 6^th Marine Regiments were assigned to the 4^th Marine Brigade, which in turn was assigned to the U.S. Army 2^nd Infantry Division.  This U.S. Army Infantry Division was commanded by Major General John A. Lejeune, USMC, from July 1918 until August 1919.  This was the second and last time a marine general commanded an Army Division.  Battles that this command participated in included: Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, Soissons, Blanc Mont and Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

At Belleau Wood, the 97^th was rushed into the line on 2 June 1918 to shore up the line between the 6^th Marines and the Army’s 9^th Infantry Regiment in anticipation of a major attack by the Germans.  On 6 June 1918, the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines and 3^rd Battalion, 6^th Marines launched an attack on Belleau Wood that some say was the most catastrophic day of the war for the Marines.  All of the 3^rd Battalion, 5^th Marines were pushed back but 3^rd Battalion, 6^th Marines was able to gain ground and hold on for several days.  June 6, 1918 could be called the 4^th Marine Brigade’s “longest day.”  The losses were 31 officers and 1,056 Marines.

First Sergeant Henry G. “Sunny” Jones’ body was returned to San Diego and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, section PS-7, site 223.  It appears that Sgt. Jones and is wife lived here in San Diego for some time.  The Marine Corp Muster Roll records show that he was stationed here at the 101^stCompany, Marine Barracks, San Diego which is located at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego. We continue to search military records and archives for any and all additional information on First Sergeant Henry G. “Sunny” Jones.

REPORT: In search of 1st Sgt. Sunny Jones

On 27 January 2012, the Adjutant of Chapter 0049 was provided with the following email from its intrepid Chapter Service Officer, Patriot Allen Wissinger.  The piece of research that has taken over 4+ years to find.  Chapter members have written letters, made telephone calls, researched tomes without success - that is - until today.

Allen Wissinger was able to find the holy grail and secure the copy of 1st Sergeant Henry G. Jones' obituary.  "Hats off" to a grand research effort.  Email follows.

  SEMPER

FIDELIS

1st Sergeant Henry Jones, Progenitor and Namesake of Chapter 0049 (MOPH)  "Tribute"

"Tribute II"

L-R: CA MOPH Commander Jon Williams and

National Sr. Vice Commander Bill Hutton

L-R: Ladies Auxiliary  Mrs. Charlotte Miller and Patriot Bob Holloway at grave site of 1st Sergeant Henry "Sunny" Jones
 

CHARTER APPLICATION

Chapter 0049 - "The Sunny Jones Chapter," chartered 1936 

Click here to view:

MOPH CHAPTER 0049

Cmdr. U. Miller & Mrs. C. Miller pay homage to

1st. Sergeant Henry "Sunny" Jones

Sr. Vice Commander Joseph Petrini and

Patriot Robert Hernandez pay tribute.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery bathed in azure skies and dressed in Christmas wreaths. December 2010.

R. I. P.