Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate)

    Action Date:

    January 27, 1944

    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 77 (1944)

    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 Captain (Medical Corps) Harry Joseph Stone, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, while serving as a Medical Officer with the Medical Detachment, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Separate), FIFTH U.S. Army, in action against enemy forces on 27 January 1944, in the vicinity of Anzio, Italy. Captain Stone advanced with a company attacking in daylight across an exposed field on the Anzio beachhead. During the advance the enemy laid down heavy concentrations of artillery and machine-gun fire on the unit. Carrying full equipment, Captain Stone kept pace with the foremost element and following the assault maintained an aid station under direct enemy observation. Once, when Captain Stone’s battalion occupied a defensive position that could be approached only at night because of enemy observation and fire, he made nightly trips to evacuate the wounded. On another occasion, he treated two more men in an open field swept by machine-gun fire. Despite the intensity of artillery and small arms fire, he carried to safety one of the men who was unable to walk. Still under fire, he went to the aid of five other casualties. Captain Stone’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.