First Lieutenant James Lamar Stone was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 21, 1951 near Sokkogae, Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with 3d Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Stone was 28 years old.
The medal was presented on October 27, 1953 — the White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower. He later rose to the rank of Colonel.
Stone was born on December 27, 1922 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas. His Medal of Honor is credited to Houston, Harris County, Texas. Stone died on November 9, 2012 in Arlington, Texas, at the age of 89. He is buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
Stone is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 78 credited to Texas.
Official 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.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and injuries
What the citation records about his wounds:
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.
Although again wounded, he continued the fight with his carbine, still exposing himself as an example to his men.
- Age at death: 89
- Resting place: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, James Lamar Stone received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Korean War, Vietnam War.
Places
Timeline
- December 27, 1922Born in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, Arkansas
- November 21, 1951Act of valor — near Sokkogae, KoreaAge 28. 3d Platoon, Company E, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division
- October 27, 1953Medal of Honor presentedThe White House, presented by Pres. Dwight D. Eisenhower
- November 9, 2012Died in Arlington, TexasAge 89.
- Resting placeDallas-Fort Worth National CemeteryDallas, Texas
Biography
James Lamar Stone (December 27, 1922 – November 9, 2012) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States' highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Korean War. He was awarded the medal for his conspicuous leadership during a fight against overwhelming odds, for continuing to lead after being wounded, and for choosing to stay behind after ordering others to retreat, a decision which led to his capture by Chinese forces.
From the Wikipedia article “James L. Stone”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
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