Neal Jones received his commission in 1960 via the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) at Tulane University. Colonel Jones first flew combat missions in Southeast Asia in November and December 1964 while on temporary duty from Japan, and then again from June to August 1965, in December 1965 and January 1966, and finally in May and June 1966. Antiaircraft fire struck his F-105D fighter-bomber on June 29, 1966. He ejected near Hanoi, just 300 feet from the ground while his aircraft moved at more than 600 mph. His rough parachute landing left him with a shattered left arm, three fractured vertebrae, torn knee cartilage and shrapnel that infected his right leg. Like many of his fellow POWs, Jones was tortured often throughout his captivity. After spending 2,421 days in captivity, Jones was released during Operation HOMECOMING on February 12, 1973. Colonel Jones retired from the Air Force after 21 years of service. His health deteriorated due to cystic fibrosis, and at 81 years old Colonel Jones passed away in January 2019. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 12A, site 818.