The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Richard M. Stone, United States Navy, for gallantry in action during World War II. While Commanding Officer of an Armed Guard crew, three German torpedo bombers attacked his ship. One plane was sent crashing into the sea and another vanished into the snowstorm with a trail of smoke, enabling their ship to make port. During the weeks spent unloading, Lieutenant Stone and his gun crew continued their grim watch against enemy planes, mines, and submarines in spite of snow, intense cold, and terrific gales. 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 Naval Service.