Robert Edgar Jones

Private First Class Robert Edgar Jones had his roots in Vineland NJ. He was a graduate of Vineland High School and worked at the Kimble Glass Works in Vineland. He was already an experienced flier when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1943. He enlisted from New York, and was trained as an aerial gunner. The Camden Courier-Post reported him as a turret gunner in a B-17, which would be an error, as the Navy did not operate B-17s at that point in the war. They did, however, operate a unit of PB4Y-1 bombers, the Navy version of the B-24, and it was in this capacity that Robert Jones served.

Robert Jones was listed as missing in action on December 20, 1943 and was later determined to have been killed. He had last written his aunt, Dr. Helen Hedrick, a Vineland NJ chiropractor, shortly before his death. Robert Jones was survived by his aunt, and his mother, Mrs. Laura Chambers, of 80 Marlton Avenue, in Camden NJ. His death was reported in the January 19, 1944 evening edition of the Camden Courier-Post. He is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. Serial: 00440019.