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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Maxwell D. Stone (ASN: 0-426204), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Stone, 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 Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    14th Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    19th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    Far East Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 10 – 14, 1942
    Headquarters, Allied Air Forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, General Orders No. 20 (June 20, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Maxwell D. Stone (ASN: 0-426204), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Bombardier of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 14th Reconnaissance Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group, Far East Air Force, in action against the enemy from 10 to 14 April 1942. Lieutenant Stone departed from Batchelor Field, N.T., Australia, on 10 April 1942 for a secret advance base in the Philippine Islands. He bombed enemy shipping at Batangas but was forced to return before noon to his base because of damage to the plane. While repairing it, the enemy raided the field and further damaged the plane, which necessitated working all night so that the crew might take off in the morning. Half an hour after the take-off, an engine went out and the long trip back to Australia was accomplished with a crippled plane. This remarkable achievement exemplifies the highest accomplishments of the United Sates Air Corps and is in keeping with hits highest standards.