Jeremiah Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeremiah "Jerry" Alvin Jones
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| Born | March 30, 1858 Truro, Nova Scotia |
| Died | November 23, 1950 (aged 92) Halifax, Nova Scotia |
| Allegiance |  Canada |
| Service/ |
106th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles), CEF |
| Years of service | June 19, 1916–May 8, 1918 |
| Rank | Private |
| Awards | Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service |
| Spouse(s) | Ethel Edna Geraldine Cook |
Jeremiah "Jerry" Alvin Jones (born March 30, 1858 – died November 23, 1950) was a brave Black Canadian soldier. He fought in World War I, a very big war. He was known for his courage in battle.
Jerry Jones was recommended for a special award called the Distinguished Conduct Medal. However, there is no official record that he ever received it. Many people felt this was unfair. They believed it showed how Black Canadian soldiers often did not get the recognition they deserved.
Years later, people worked hard to get him this medal. Finally, on February 22, 2010, he was given the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. This award honored his bravery.
Contents
Joining the Army: Jerry's Military Service
Jerry Jones joined the army on June 19, 1916. He became a private in the 106th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles), CEF. This happened in Truro, Nova Scotia, where he was from.
When he joined, Jerry had to lie about his age. He said he was 39, but he was actually 58 years old! He really wanted to serve his country. Private Jerry Jones then went to France. He joined The Royal Canadian Regiment there on February 9, 1917. Sadly, he was wounded and sent to England on April 12, 1917.
Heroism at Vimy Ridge
During World War I, there was a very important battle called the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadian soldiers were stuck because German machine guns were firing at them. It was very dangerous.
Jerry Jones bravely volunteered to attack one of these German machine gun nests. He managed to reach the enemy's position. He threw a hand grenade, which is a small bomb. This action killed several German soldiers. The remaining soldiers gave up and surrendered to him.
Jerry then made his captives carry the heavy machine gun. They had to carry it all the way back across the battlefield. He made them put it down right at his commanding officer's feet!
For this amazing act of bravery, Private Jones was reportedly recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). This is a very high honor.
Why Jerry Didn't Get His Medal
Even though many people said Jerry Jones was recommended for the DCM, he never officially received it. People at the time widely reported that his commanding officer had put his name forward.
Later, several soldiers who fought with him also said that Jerry was supposed to get the DCM. But, no official papers or records have ever been found to prove he received the medal. This made many people wonder why such a brave soldier was not properly honored.
Fighting for Recognition: Campaigns for Jerry
Over many years, the local newspaper, The Truro Daily News, wrote about Jerry Jones. They published articles about his brave actions in battle. They also wrote about how he was recommended for the DCM.
On July 29, 1917, a letter from a soldier was published in the newspaper. This soldier was in England. He wrote that Jerry Jones "had captured a German machine gun." He also wrote that Jerry "forced the crew to carry it back to our lines." Then, Jerry "depositing it at the feet of the CO. said;- 'Is this thing any good?'"
On September 21, 1917, Jerry's sister, Martha, told The Truro Daily News that Jerry "won the DCM by capturing a German machine gun and crew." The newspaper mentioned the medal again on Jerry's 79th birthday. They reported, "His valor won for him a recommendation for the DCM."
Senator Ruck's Efforts
For most of his life, Senator Calvin Ruck worked very hard. He tried to convince the Canadian government to give Jerry Jones a medal after he had passed away. Senator Ruck believed that unfair treatment towards Black soldiers at the time stopped Jerry from getting his medal.
He felt it was important for the government to give the medal to Jerry. This would also honor all Black veterans who might not have received proper recognition. Senator Ruck passed away in 2004. He did not live to see Jerry Jones finally receive his award.
Finally Honored: Posthumous Recognition
On September 9, 2000, a new gravestone was placed for Jerry Jones. This was done with full military honors by The Last Post Fund. In November 2000, a special tree carving of Jerry Jones was made. This was part of the Truro Tree Sculpture Project.
The Canadian Government finally recognized Jeremiah "Jerry" Jones on February 22, 2010. He was given the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. This was a special award given after his death.
Rear Admiral Paul Maddison spoke at the ceremony. He said, "Today... I feel extremely privileged to finally acknowledge the gallantry of private Jeremiah Jones." He spoke about Jerry's bravery at Vimy Ridge in 1917 during World War I.
Jerry's Family Life
Jeremiah Jones married Ethel Edna Geraldine Cook. She was from Amherst, Nova Scotia. They got married on March 30, 1898. They were married until Ethel passed away on February 12, 1940.
Jerry and Ethel had nine children together. Jeremiah's grandson was Rocky Jones. Rocky was a well-known activist in Nova Scotia. He was the son of Jerry's son, Elmer Alvin Jones.
See also
