FOLEY — More than 50 years after his death in a firefight near the Cambodian border, Sgt. Louis Henderson Jones of Foley's service was recognized by a Baldwin County veterans organization.

On Thursday, May 19, members of the Baldwin County chapter of the Military Officers Association of America recognized Jones' service and sacrifice as a part of a campaign to honor those who served during the period.

Chapter members presented two of Jones' sisters, Mabel Royie and Helen Jones, and a cousin, First Sgt. Bernie Heard, with a certificate from the Department of Defense and a Gold Star pin.

Retired Army Lt. Col. Jerry Morrison said the Gold Star has been a symbol of recognition for families who have lost a member in combat for more than 100 years.

"Today, part of the commemoration that our chapter is part of has to do with honoring the memories of our heroes and the heroes are the ones whose names are etched on the Vietnam Wall," Morrison said. "All gave some, those of us who were in uniform and our families as well, gave some, but some gave all and today, we are going to recognize those who gave all."

The certificate signed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also praised the sacrifices of Jones and his family.

"In memory of Louis Jones, on behalf of a grateful nation and the Department of Defense, we are proud to recognize and honor your loved one, you and your family for the significant sacrifice made in the name of freedom and democracy over the years," the certificate stated. "Thank you for your example of grace, dignity and courage. Our nation is forever indebted to you and extends its deepest respects and admiration."

After graduating from the Baldwin County Training School in Daphne, the county's high school for African Americans in the 1960s, and attending Alabama State University, Jones enlisted in the Army in 1965 at the age of 22.

Morrison said Jones was what was called in the military a "fast-burner," someone rising rapidly through the ranks, becoming an E-5, a sergeant, within three years.

On June 30, 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam in the First Cavalry Division. About nine months later, his unit was assigned to a location near the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Cambodia.

"On 21 March, 1969, in Tay Ninh province, South Vietnam, Sgt. Jones gave his all for our freedom and he was killed in action by hostile gunfire, by small arms," Morrison said.

Morrison said the chapter is working to recognize members and others who served in the military during the Vietnam War era, which extended from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 17, 1975.

Members want to recognize their fellow veterans who were in uniform during a period when their service was often not recognized by the public, he said.

"So, if you were on active duty, no matter where you served, if you didn't serve in-com (combat) of whatever, you're still considered a Vietnam era veteran, just like people who served anywhere throughout the world during World War II are World War II veterans and so forth," Morrison said.

During the group's meeting, one member who served during that period was presented with the Vietnam Pin for his service.