James L. Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James L. Stone
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Stone in 2010
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| Born |
James Lamar Stone
December 27, 1922 |
| Died | November 9, 2012 (aged 89) |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
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Branch
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Rank
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| Unit | 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division |
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Conflicts
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Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Bronze Star Purple Heart |
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James Lamar Stone (born December 27, 1922 – died November 9, 2012) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He received America's highest military award, the Medal of Honor, for his amazing courage during the Korean War. He earned this medal for leading his soldiers against many enemies, even after he was hurt. He also chose to stay behind to protect his wounded men, which led to him being captured.
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Stone's Army Journey
Stone joined the Army in 1948 from Houston, Texas. By November 21, 1951, he was a first lieutenant. He was part of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, which was part of the 1st Cavalry Division.
On that morning, Stone's small group of soldiers, called a platoon, took over a hilltop outpost. This outpost was above the Imjin River near Sokkogae, South Korea.
A Fierce Battle
Around 9:00 pm, Chinese forces began attacking the outpost. They used artillery (large guns) and mortars (weapons that fire shells high into the air). After this, many Chinese soldiers attacked on foot. Stone bravely led his platoon to defend against this large enemy force.
Just after midnight, even more Chinese soldiers joined the attack. Stone's platoon had only 48 men. They were fighting against about 800 enemy soldiers. Stone was hurt three times during the battle, but he kept leading his men. He even fought in hand-to-hand combat (fighting very close up).
A Heroic Choice
Stone realized that they could not win the fight. He ordered the men who could still walk to leave and join the rest of their company. Stone decided to stay behind with the badly wounded soldiers. He wanted to cover their retreat and protect them.
Eventually, Stone lost consciousness. Just before dawn on November 22, he and the six remaining men of his platoon were captured by Chinese forces.
Prisoner of War
After Stone woke up, the Chinese questioned him. Then, he was sent to a prison camp near the Yalu River. He was held captive for 22 months. On September 3, 1953, he was set free in a prisoner exchange.
When he was released, Stone learned that he would receive the Medal of Honor. This was for his brave actions during the battle near Sokkogae.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Stone's Medal of Honor was officially approved on October 20, 1953. A week later, he received the medal. At a special ceremony in the White House on October 27, President Dwight Eisenhower presented Medals of Honor to Stone and six other brave soldiers.
Stone continued his military career and became a colonel. He also served in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Army in 1980.
Later Life and Passing
Colonel Stone passed away in November 2012 in Arlington, Texas. He was 89 years old.