David M. Jones - World War II - North Africa, Prisoner of War, and The Great Escape

North Africa, Prisoner of War, and The Great Escape

In September 1942, Jones was assigned as commander of the 319th Bombardment Group in North Africa. He was assigned to develop low-level bombing tactics and techniques due to his experience with the Doolittle project and his belief in low-level bombing tactics. On December 4, 1942, he was shot down over Bizerte, North Africa, and spent two and a half years as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III. As a result of his constant agitation and harassment of the enemy, he was selected for the "escape committee" by fellow prisoners. The committee reviewed escape plans and directed escapes. Jones led the digging team on tunnel "Harry" used in the Great Escape, chronicled in the Paul Brickhill's autobiographical book, and immortalized in the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen. After his liberation in April 1945, Jones was commended for leadership among his fellow prisoners.