Charles Eugene Jones was the only child of Newlin and Edna Jones. He was the only Grandson of Donald and Carrie Jones.
He was born on February 18, 1917. In June 1941, he graduated from West Point. He married Mary Ann (unsure of her maiden name) Jones. They made their home in Tulsa and resided at 1508 E 26th Street. From what I was able to find out, the house is still standing.
Gene became a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a "Jolly Roger" in WWII with the much celebrated 319th Bomber Squadron of the 90th Bomber group, Heavy. He piloted a B-24 Liberator, the "Dirty Gertie". The Dirty Gertie flew out of Australia and New Guinea. Sadly, he and his crew disappeared during their 13th mission on March 16, 1943. Their plane exploded mid flight over the Pacific Ocean near New Guinea. His body has never been recovered. Gene is one of the 73,000 unaccounted servicemen from WWII.
The book, Under the Southern Cross describes the tragedy. Gene Jones was a hero during the fateful flight as he knew what was about to happen. Jones ordered the other planes flying in formation around him, "Get away from me"!
Sadly, Gene and Mary Ann had no children. This was the end of the lineage for Uncle Donald Jones.
He is memoralized in American Manila Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio Manila, Philippines. Gene received the Air Medal and the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Click for Gene Jones info- WWII MIA Memorial
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/90th_Bombardment_Group
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/reviews/90th.html
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