For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Second Lieutenant Stone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 December 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an infantry company conducting a combat mission near Katum. His platoon suddenly received heavy automatic weapons, small arms, and recoilless rifle fire from an enemy force of unknown size in well fortified bunkers in a woodline. Lieutenant Stone immediately deployed his troops and led a fierce assault on the insurgents. Fifteen meters into the trees and undergrowth, his platoon encountered a thick wall of bamboo which concealed the hostile positions. Exposed to savage and relentless fire, he moved along the wall to an opening which was a firing lane and spotted two bunkers. Several of his men lay wounded in the exposed area, and Lieutenant Stone dashed through a hail of bullets to carry the casualties from the enemy killing zone to safety. Returning to the position with a recoilless rifle team, he threw hand grenades and placed a heavy volume of fire on the bunkers to draw the insurgents’ fire until the recoilless rifle could engage the fortifications. The recoilless rifle received a direct hit from an enemy rocket round, and Lieutenant Stone and the gun crew were all wounded. He then called for more grenades to continue his gallant assault and enable the evacuation of the other casualties. Moving within ten meters of the hostile emplacement which had his troops pinned down, he destroyed the bunker with accurately thrown hand grenades. Just as he threw the last grenade, another enemy position began firing on him and he was instantly killed. His fearless and determined actions in close combat saved the lives of many fellow soldiers. Second Lieutenant Stone’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.