Born in Texas, he was killed-in-action in the Republic of Vietnam on August 20, 1964 with two other Americans (one other, William David Ragin is buried in Arlington - see article on him) in what was referred to as "60 minutes of the bloodiest fighting." He is buried near Ragin in Section 35 of Arlington National Cemetery, adjacent to the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Byron Clark Stone (0-91522), Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.

Captain Stone distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 20 August 1964 while serving as an advisor to the 41st Ranger Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, when the friendly forces were suddenly ambushed by hostile elements.

Undaunted by the extremely heavy enemy gun fire, Captain Stone completely disregarded his own personal safety and bravely exposed himself to the full force of the violent enemy attack to cover the withdrawal of the friendly troops. During the ensuing battle in which the enemy launched several vicious assaults, he remained in an exposed position to defend the friendly units and repel the enemy.

Although the intensity of the enemy gun fire increased, he demonstrated fortitude and perseverance by holding his position for 1 hour and 40 minutes while annihilating a great number of enemy troops. Despite the overwhelming onslaught, he covered the withdrawal of the friendly forces with outstanding effectiveness and continued his courageous efforts until mortally wounded.

Captain Stone's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (February 5, 1965)

Photo By M. R. Patterson, October 2002

STONE, BYRON 
CAPT USA
DATE OF BIRTH: 12/21/1937
DATE OF DEATH: 08/20/1964
BURIED AT: SECTION 35  SITE 1960
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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