The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Seth Anthony Stone, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Detachment Corregidor Commander while assigned to Naval Special Warfare Task Unit RAMADI in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. As ground force commander for a combined sniper overwatch tasked with protecting the western flank of a battalion clearance operation, enemy insurgents attacked one of Lieutenant Stone’s elements with small arms, rockets, and finally a hand grenade that wounded three of the four SEALs in the element, one of them mortally wounded. Realizing the severity of the situation and the vulnerability of the embattled element, he led his team into the fray as they departed their overwatch position and moved into the street where they fought their way through heavy enemy fire toward the element in peril. Upon reaching the wounded SEALS, Lieutenant Stone took control and directed the evacuation of the wounded men. His decisive leadership, dedication to his men and bravery under enemy fire directly resulted in the evacuation of wounded SEALs in dire need of crucial medical treatment. Lieutenant Stone’s bold leadership, courageous actions, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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 Lieutenant Seth Anthony Stone, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on 16 May 2006 while serving as Platoon Commander, Delta Platoon, Naval Special Warfare Task Group – ARABIAN PENINSULA in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lieutenant Stone led a joint combined over watch element in support of clearance operations in the insurgent stronghold of Ar Ramadi, Iraq. When his element received effective fire, he maneuvered his men and returned fire with devastating effect. Lieutenant Stone’s patrol again came under heavy effective fire, and he led his men in a bounding maneuver to break contact with the enemy. He directed his communicator to call in reinforcements when a member of the element was critically wounded and lay helpless in the street. Lieutenant Stone provided cover fire and led three other SEALs in dragging the casualty from the street while under intense enemy fire. When the reinforcements arrived, he directed suppressive fire on enemy positions, then loaded the casualty into the casualty evacuation platform and led his men out of harm’s way. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Stone reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.