The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Earnest H. Stone, Jr. (MCSN: 0-45147), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Communications Officer of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 7 December 1950. En route with his battalion in convoy when a numerically superior hostile force attacked and separated the column into two sections, First Lieutenant Stone immediately organized the elements of two rifle companies and attacked in an attempt to drive the enemy back. While subjected to intense hostile fire from small arms, machine guns and mortars, he skillfully established a base of fire and directed an air strike to neutralize the roadblock and permit the convoy to consolidate and advance. By his daring and aggressive leadership, superb tactics and cool courage in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Stone served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.