The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert W. Stone (ASN: 0-691310), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 353d Bombardment Squadron, 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTEENTH Air Force, on 14 June 1944. While on a bombing mission to destroy vitally important oil storage and refinery facilities in Hungary, the B-17 piloted by Lieutenant Stone was destroyed by mechanical explosion of one engine followed by gasoline explosion of the left wing. Thinking only for the safety of his crew, five members of which were on their initial flight, he calmly and competently issued instructions to insure their safe abandonment of the disabled plane. One member of the crew was seized with a paroxysm of ear and attached himself immovably to a fixture inside the plane. By superb skill, Lieutenant Stone succeeded in holding his aircraft to a steady and level glide, and in utter disregard for his own life, stayed with his ship to his death solely to afford the greatest possible measure of protection to his crew members. By his gallantry and self-sacrifice, his courage and devotion to duty in the performance of his assignment and responsibilities at a time of much personal danger and against heavy odds, he has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the military service. Great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States of America.