Tunnel #3

David M. Jones, a distinguished pilot and general officer in the United States Air Force, was born on December 18, 1913, in Marshfield, Oregon. The son of Welsh immigrants, he grew up with a heritage of pioneering spirit. His journey into military service began at the University of Arizona, where he joined the Arizona National Guard while pursuing his studies from 1932 to 1936. Jones’s military education was extensive, including attendance at major Armed Forces schools such as the Command and General Staff School, Armed Forces Staff College, and the National War College.

Jones’s career took a pivotal turn when he transferred to the Army Air Corps in 1937, earning his wings as a pilot. He first served as a Northrop A-17 pilot with the 17th Attack Group. His skills and bravery were put to the test during World War II, particularly as one of the Doolittle Raiders. In this daring 1942 raid, Jones and his fellow aviators launched a surprise bombing attack on Tokyo from the USS Hornet, marking a significant morale boost for America during a challenging time in the Pacific front. Following the raid, Jones evaded capture in China and continued to fly combat missions against the Japanese in India.

In 1942, his journey took a harrowing turn when he was shot down over North Africa and became a prisoner of war for two and a half years at Stalag Luft III. There, he played a crucial role in the famed “Great Escape,” leading the tunnel digging efforts and displaying exceptional leadership among his fellow prisoners.

Stalag Luft III, a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war (POW) camp during World War II, is renowned for its role in one of the most daring escape attempts in military history, known as “The Great Escape.” This camp, situated in Nazi Germany’s Lower Silesia (now Żagań, Poland), was established in March 1942 and housed captured Western Allied air force personnel. It was selected for its sandy soil, which was believed to make escape attempts by tunnelling difficult.

The camp’s most famous escape plot, the Great Escape of March 1944, was planned and executed from the North Compound. The senior British officer at Stalag Luft III, Herbert Massey, authorized the escape attempt, which was conceived by Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. More than 600 prisoners were involved in the construction of the escape tunnels, named Tom, Dick, and Harry, as part of a plan that aimed to get over 200 men out, wearing civilian clothes and carrying forged papers and escape equipment.

David M. Jones, a USAAF pilot and a POW at Stalag Luft III, played a significant role in this plan. After being shot down over Bizerte, Tunisia, in December 1942, Jones was sent to Stalag Luft III. His leadership skills and defiant attitude towards the Germans quickly led to his inclusion in the elite escape committee responsible for the tunnels. Jones was among the 20 tunnelers who excavated the sandy soil with their bare hands for Tunnel Harry. He led the digging on this tunnel, which stretched more than 300 feet long and 30 feet below ground, hidden beneath a hut. The construction of the tunnels was a remarkable feat, with rudimentary air pumps made from hockey sticks, knapsacks, and bed parts, and a complex system of disposing of the excavated sand discreetly across the camp.

Tunnel Tom was discovered by the Germans and destroyed, but they failed to find the other escape routes. The focus then shifted to Harry, hidden beneath Hut 104. On the night of March 24, 1944, after an air raid caused a delay, 76 men crawled through Harry to freedom. However, only three safely reached Allied territory, while fifty were captured and murdered by the Germans. Jones, who did not escape, remained imprisoned at Stalag Luft III until the camp’s evacuation in the face of the Allied advance. The prisoners were forced to march for days through snow, enduring harsh conditions.

The Great Escape remains an iconic event, immortalized in the 1963 movie of the same name. David M. Jones’ involvement in this audacious plan highlights his resourcefulness and courage under extreme conditions. His experience at Stalag Luft III, along with his participation in the Doolittle Raid and other military operations, cements his legacy as a notable figure in military and aviation history.

Post-war, Jones’s career continued to flourish. He held various prominent positions, including Director of War Plans at Tactical Air Command and Commander of the 47th Bombardment Group. His expertise in bombardment-type aircraft led to his involvement in research and development, notably as the director of the B-58 Test Force, which tested the first operational jet bomber capable of Mach 2 supersonic flight.

Jones retired as a major general in 1973, being one of the five Doolittle Raiders who later became general officers. His life post-retirement included attending the 50th reunion of the 47th Bombardment Wing and contributing to the RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre.

Major General David M. Jones passed away on November 25, 2008, in Tucson, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy of courage, innovation, and leadership. His life story is not only a testament to his personal achievements but also a reflection of significant moments in military and aviation history.