Walter F. Stone, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Walter F. Stone, Jr. (01173473), First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 8th Armored Division in Germany on 2 April 1945. When he could furnish the only means available for observation and adjustment of artillery fire, Lieutenant Stone remained aloft more than twice the normal operational time. Weather conditions were extremely unfavorable. In order to gain the maximum observational time, he remained aloft until his exhausted gasoline supply force him to land on unfavorable terrain. He repeated this act three times. His devotion to duty and personal courage reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.