Lowell E. Jones of Eufaula was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2017. Jones was awarded two Silver Stars for Gallantry during the war in Korea. He was born in Ada and later lived in Eufaula until he died in 1998. He served his country as a Master Sergeant and also a First Lieutenant.

Born in Ada Feb. 8, 1921, and like many soldiers, Jones lied about his age to join. He was actually 16 years old.

Jones worked as a roustabout for Standard Oil for three years before enlisting into the Army Sept. 23, 1941. He was in the 45th Infantry Division during the invasion of Sicily and the invasion of Southern France during World War II. Jones received the Bronze Star for meritorious service during combat and Purple Heart for wounds received. After World War II, Jones served as a second lieutenant in the 24th Infantry Division, which was sent to Korea beginning in 1940.

Jones’ infantry company received heavy machine-gun fire from the enemy. With “utter disregard for his own safety”, he advanced through the enemy fire to an exposed position and attacked the enemy machine gun position until it was destroyed, his first Silver Star citation stated.

Three months later, Jones and his company fought a numerically superior North Korean Army force. As the enemy was breaking through part of his platoon’s position, Jones called for close artillery support against the enemy. During the barrage, he moved his troops to ensure their safety. Jones was wounded but without regard for his own safety, he again exposed himself to redirect artillery fire against the enemy.

He was awarded a second Silver Star for that action and another Purple Heart. Jones moved to Eufaula after he retired in 1969 where he and his Pauline raised their daughter Rhonda. Jones served 26 years in the Army and passed away on June 2, 1998.