On May 28, 1982, during the Falklands War, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert “H” Jones was commanding 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (2 Para) in the assault on Argentine positions at Darwin and Goose Green.
Advancing against well-entrenched defenses along a critical ridge, his battalion was pinned down by at least eleven fortified positions. Casualties mounted, and the attack began to stall under relentless and accurate fire.
Determined to restore momentum, Lt Col Jones moved forward to the front lines to assess the situation himself. From an exposed position, he directed mortar fire—but the enemy held firm.
With the assault faltering, he seized a sub-machine gun and personally charged the nearest trench.
Under intense fire, he was seen fall, rise again, and continue the attack—pressing to within feet of the enemy before being mortally wounded.
Inspired by his example, 2 Para renewed the assault, ultimately forcing the surrender of approximately 1,200 Argentine troops.
For his extraordinary leadership and courage in combat, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Jones was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration of the United Kingdom.
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