The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Ernest Lester Stone (ASN: 6972582), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 24 November 1944. On that date, during action in the vicinity of Jaeger House, Germany, Private Stone was advancing as a scout, ahead of the main body of his infantry company. When he and his group encountered heavy resistance at a strategic forward position Private Stone voluntarily returned to the company through intense enemy fire to lead them forward to reinforce the new position. He made five trips over the fire-swept terrain, completely disregarding his own safety, inspiring the men by his fearless personal example. On one trip he encountered four of the enemy, and although wounded, killed one and wounded two of them with pistol fire. Private First Class Stone’s conspicuous heroism and his fearless determination and inspiring, courageous devotion to duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.