Name: Lester R. Stone, Jr.
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division (Americal)
Place: West of Landing Zone Liz, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Syracuse, New York
Born: 4 June 1947, Binghamton, New York
Summary of Action
On a combat patrol west of Landing Zone Liz, Sergeant Lester R. Stone, Jr. and the 1st Platoon were suddenly engulfed by intense automatic weapons and grenade fire from a well-concealed, company-sized North Vietnamese force.
The ambush was devastating.
When the platoon machine gunner was critically wounded, Stone moved into the exposed kill zone to provide covering fire as another soldier dragged the wounded man to safety.
Enemy rounds struck all around him.
His machine gun malfunctioned.
Under direct fire, in full view of the enemy, Stone calmly repaired the weapon and resumed delivering suppressive fire — allowing the rescue to be completed.
Then the enemy charged.
In a desperate attempt to overrun his position, North Vietnamese soldiers broke from cover and rushed forward.
Stone did not retreat.
He rose to his knees and opened fire at point-blank range, cutting down six attackers before he was mortally wounded.
His courage under overwhelming odds saved numerous members of his platoon and inspired his unit to hold fast.
Sergeant Lester R. Stone, Jr.’s actions reflect the highest traditions of the United States Army and the profession of arms.
Medal of Honor Citation
STONE, LESTER R., JR.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division (Americal).
Place and date: West of Landing Zone Liz, Republic of Vietnam, 3 March 1969.
Entered service at: Syracuse, N.Y.
Born: 4 June 1947, Binghamton, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Stone distinguished himself while serving as squad leader of the 1st Platoon. The 1st Platoon was on a combat patrol mission just west of Landing Zone Liz when it came under intense automatic weapons and grenade fire from a well concealed company-size force of North Vietnamese regulars. Observing the platoon machinegunner fall critically wounded, Sgt. Stone remained in the exposed area to provide cover fire for the wounded soldier who was being pulled to safety by another member of the platoon. With enemy fire impacting all around him, Sgt. Stone had a malfunction in the machinegun, preventing him from firing the weapon automatically. Displaying extraordinary courage under the most adverse conditions, Sgt. Stone repaired the weapon and continued to place on the enemy positions effective suppressive fire which enabled the rescue to be completed. In a desperate attempt to overrun his position, an enemy force left its cover and charged Sgt. Stone. Disregarding the danger involved, Sgt. Stone rose to his knees and began placing intense fire on the enemy at pointblank range, killing 6 of the enemy before falling mortally wounded. His actions of unsurpassed valor were a source of inspiration to his entire unit, and he was responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military profession and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Name: Lester R. Stone, Jr.
