Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously for his actions as a sergeant with the 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, US Army, on March 3, 1969, at Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam. He was drafted into the US Army in 1967 and after his stateside training, he was sent to South Vietnam. On March 3, 1969 he was killed while manning a machine gun from an exposed position during an intense enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade. He was also the recipient of the Purple Heart. In 2010, his mother lent the medal to US Army officer and NASA astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock (who was from Sgt Stone's hometown) to take on his launch to the International Space Station. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "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."