Lt. James Stone, Medal of Honor

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Lamar Stone (ASN: 0-65096), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Sokkogae, Korea, on 21 and 22 November 1951. When his platoon, holding a vital outpost position, was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces, First Lieutenant Stone stood erect and exposed to the terrific enemy fire calmly directed his men in the defense. A defensive flame-thrower failing to function, he personally moved to its location, further exposing himself, and personally repaired the weapon.

Throughout a second attack, First Lieutenant Stone; though painfully wounded, personally carried the only remaining light machinegun from place to place in the position in order to bring fire upon the Chinese advancing from two directions. Throughout he continued to encourage and direct his depleted platoon in its hopeless defense. Although again wounded, he continued the fight with his carbine, still exposing himself as an example to his men. When this final overwhelming assault swept over the platoon's position his voice could still be heard faintly urging his men to carry on, until he lost consciousness. Only because of this officer's driving spirit and heroic action was the platoon emboldened to make its brave but hopeless last ditch stand.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 82 (October 20, 1953)

Action Date: November 21 & 22, 1951

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 8th Cavalry

Division: 1st Cavalry Division

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3195/stone-james-l.php

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/14/us/james-l-stone-medal-of-honor-r...