The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Lowell Thornton Stone (NSN: 0-62556), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LAPON (SS-260), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 February 1944 to 1 April 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Commander Stone, with excellent judgment and skillfully employing all the resources at his command, aggressively and determinedly delivered four successful torpedo attacks upon strongly escorted enemy convoys, sinking four ships totaling 32,660 tons and damaging one ship of 6,863 tons. He further damaged two sampans with gunfire. He skillfully evaded close depth charge attacks subsequent to two torpedo attacks and brought his ship through without damage. His actions and conduct throughout were an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Lapon (SS-260)Action Date:
May 23 – 24, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Lowell Thornton Stone (NSN: 0-62556), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LAPON (SS-260), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters. On the night of 23 – 24 May 1944, in the South China Sea, he repeatedly attacked a convoy of three ships and two escorts, achieving the destruction of two ships totaling 15,000 tons and severe damage to a third ship of about 7,500 tons. He skillfully avoided enemy countermeasures in a daring manner and brought his ship to port in safety. His conduct was in accordance with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Lapon (SS-260)Action Date:
June 29 – August 10, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander Lowell Thornton Stone (NSN: 0-62556), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. LAPON (SS-260), during the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy controlled waters during the period 29 June to 10 August 1944. Commander Stone skillfully maneuvered his vessel into position from which to strike the enemy and aggressively conducted attacks on two escorted groups of enemy ships. The first convoy attacked consisted of two freighters with escort of which both vessels were destroyed. It was apparent that one of them had been carrying a valuable cargo of ammunition. In attacking the second convoy he maneuvered expertly into attack position between two columns of ships and fired bow and stern tubes in rapid order to secure hits on three targets, heavily damaging a 19,400 tons tanker and a freighter, and sinking another large 10,000 tons laden tanker. As a result of this patrol his vessel has been credited with sinking three ships totaling 18,000 tons and damaging two ships totaling 23,400 tons. He successfully avoided all enemy attempts to counterattack with depth charges and brought his vessel safely back to port. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.