The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), [then Major] Charles P. Stone (ASN: 0-21376), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. When his battalion was subjected to heavy enemy artillery fire, Colonel Stone personally organized and controlled an orderly withdrawal of units from an area under concentrated fire. Colonel Stone then crossed several hundred yards of open terrain and delivered a vital message, after a volunteer had been wounded in a previous attempt. Colonel Stone’s coolness and courage under fire were a constant source of inspiration to the members of his command. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.