US Army COL James Stone: Medal of Honor Recipient Korean War

Holding a vital outpost in Korea, 1st Lt. James L. Stone and his platoon faced waves of overwhelming Chinese attacks. Calmly exposed to brutal enemy fire, he moved under fire to repair a flamethrower, carried the last working machine gun across the position while wounded, and kept fighting with his carbine. Even as he was hit again and again, his voice could still be heard urging his men to fight on—until he finally lost consciousness. His fearless leadership inspired a final, defiant stand. For his heroic courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor Citation:
1st Lt. Stone distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon, holding a vital outpost position, was attacked by overwhelming Chinese forces, 1st Lt. Stone stood erect and exposed to the terrific enemy fire calmly directed his men in the defense. A defensive flamethrower failing to function, he personally moved to its location, further exposing himself, and personally repaired the weapon. Throughout a second attack, 1st Lt. Stone, though painfully wounded, personally carried the only remaining light machine gun 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.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
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