SILVER STAR MEDAL to HOSPITAL CORPSMAN THIRD CLASS DOUGLAS D. STONE UNITED STATES MARINE NAVY CITATION: FOR THE
PRESIDENT H. W. BUSE,
JR. LIEUTENANT
GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS COMMANDING
GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting
the
For service as set forth in the following
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman
with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in
connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On
9 February 1969, Company I was participating in Operation Taylor Common
southwest of DaNang, when the lead platoon came under a heavy volume of
automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying
well-concealed emplacements and sustained three casualties. Reacting
instantly, Petty Officer Stone unhesitatingly left his position of relative
safety and fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain to the wounded
Marines. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting near him, he remained in his
dangerously exposed location as he treated the injured men and returned
fire upon the enemy to protect his patients. His heroic and timely actions
inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved the lives of the three
Marines. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty
at great personal risk, Petty Officer Stone upheld the highest traditions
of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
