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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the period September 1970 to August 1971, while serving as Senior Advisor to the National Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Training Center Division, Training Directorate, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Colonel Stone rendered exceptional organizational expertise and supervisory skill to the training advisory effort and greatly contributed to the mission accomplishment of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. He effectively accomplished the planning and coordination of programs of instruction at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy to meet the varied training requirements throughout the Republic of Vietnam. His extensive staff and training experience enabled him to supervise and guide the detailed planning of training assistance provided to the Khmer Republic. By developing comprehensive plans and programs, he fostered a highly efficient and superbly motivated Student Brigade, well qualified to provide Noncommissioned Officers to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Colonel Stone’s professional competence and outstanding achievements were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Korea)

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1951 – September 2, 1953

    First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, was captured by the Communist Forces in Korea on 22 November 1951 and was interned as a Prisoner of War until his release on 2 September 1953.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Cavalry

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1951
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 335 (1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, for gallantry in action against while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 October 1951 near Homang-ni, Korea. When Company F was assigned the mission of assaulting heavily fortified enemy positions manned by a numerically superior enemy force, the unit was pinned down by an overwhelming volume of small arms, automatic weapons, mortar and artillery fire. Lieutenant Stone, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed to the head of his platoon, and, demonstrating a remarkable degree of intrepid leadership, led his men in a charge against the enemy positions which served to relieve pressure on the company and caused a large number of hostile casualties. Leaping on the wall of an enemy trench, waving and shouting to his men to follow him, Lieutenant Stone killed and wounded several of the enemy soldiers. As a result of his gallantry and selfless devotion to duty, the hostile forces suffered very heavy casualties, and the way was eased for the company to continue in the fight and eventually to successfully achieve its assigned mission. Lieutenant Stone’s gallantry and heroism reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    November 21 & 22, 1951
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 82 (October 20, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Sokkogae, Korea, on 21 and 22 November 1951. When his platoon, holding a vital outpost position, was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces, First Lieutenant Stone stood erect and exposed to the terrific enemy fire calmly directed his men in the defense. A defensive flame-thrower failing to function, he personally moved to its location, further exposing himself, and personally repaired the weapon. Throughout a second attack, First Lieutenant Stone; though painfully wounded, personally carried the only remaining light machinegun from place to place in the position in order to bring fire upon the Chinese advancing from two directions. Throughout he continued to encourage and direct his depleted platoon in its hopeless defense. Although again wounded, he continued the fight with his carbine, still exposing himself as an example to his men. When this final overwhelming assault swept over the platoon’s position his voice could still be heard faintly urging his men to carry on, until he lost consciousness. Only because of this officer’s driving spirit and heroic action was the platoon emboldened to make its brave but hopeless last ditch stand.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    December 5, 1970 – March 15, 1971

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Colonel (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against a hostile force during the period 5 December 1970 to 15 March 1971, while serving as Senior Advisor to the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces National Noncommissioned Officers Academy, Training Center Division, Training Directorate, Headquarters, United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. Colonel Stone was most effective in developing a new, comprehensive Program of Instruction for the Academy. His Program of Instruction received considerable praise from Academy officials, and it was approved and forwarded to Central Training Command. To substantiate his study and recommendations, more practical work, crew-drilled and “hands-on-equipment” experience were incorporated into training with crew-served weapons and other equipment. His professionalism and genuine concern for improving the quality of Vietnamese training have contributed materially to Vietnamese combat effectiveness. Colonel Stone’s outstanding achievement was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.