319thBG, C.O. Gen. David Jones, (POW) Doolittle Raider, (CLick on Photo for Story)

He next served as a pilot with the 17th Attack Group and then the 95th Bombardment Squadron. In early 1942 he volunteered for the Doolittle Project. During the training phase of this project, he flew the initial evaluation flights on the B-25 aircraft which were specially equipped for the mission. After the Doolittle raid on Tokyo, he bailed out over China. The Chinese people assisted him in returning to the United States. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his participation as a flight commander in the planning, training and completion of the mission.

In September 1942 General Jones was assigned as commander of the 319th Bombardment Group in North Africa. His belief in low-level bombing and his experience with the Doolittle Project resulted in an assignment to develop low-level bombing tactics and techniques. On Dec. 4, 1942, he was shot down over Bizerte, North Africa, and spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III. As a result of his constant agitation and harassment of the enemy he was selected for the "escape committee" by fellow prisoners. The committee reviewed escape plans and directed escapes. After his liberation in April 1945, General Jones was commended for leadership among his fellow prisoners.