James Lamar Stone

The Medal of Honor Hero Who Refused to Surrender

Wounded, outnumbered, and surrounded by enemy forces, First Lieutenant James Lamar Stone refused to abandon his men. On a Korean hilltop in November 1951, his extraordinary courage would earn him America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. But his story did not end on that battlefield. It continued through 22 months of captivity and nearly three decades of distinguished service in the United States Army.

Born on December 27, 1922, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, James Lamar Stone grew up in Hot Springs and attended the University of Arkansas, where he studied chemistry and zoology and participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. Called to active duty in 1948, he deployed to Korea in March 1951 with the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. His courage under fire soon distinguished him as an exceptional combat leader.

On October 9, 1951, near Homang-ni, Korea, Stone demonstrated the bravery that earned him the Silver Star. When heavy enemy fire halted Company F's assault against fortified positions, he rushed forward, rallied his platoon, and led a charge into the enemy defenses. Climbing onto the wall of an enemy trench, he urged his soldiers onward, helping break resistance and enabling the company to continue its mission. His citation recognized his gallantry, fearless leadership, and selfless devotion to duty.

Just six weeks later came the defining battle of his life.

On November 21 and 22, 1951, near Sokkogae, Korea, Stone commanded a platoon defending a vital outpost against overwhelming Chinese forces. Standing exposed to enemy fire, he calmly directed his soldiers through repeated assaults. When a defensive flamethrower malfunctioned, he personally repaired it. Despite painful wounds, he carried the platoon's remaining light machine gun between positions to counter attacks from two directions. Wounded again, he continued fighting with his carbine and encouraging his men until he lost consciousness as enemy troops overran the position.

His Medal of Honor citation, issued under Department of the Army General Orders No. 82 on October 20, 1953, recognized his extraordinary courage and leadership during the platoon's desperate final defense. Captured by Chinese forces, Stone endured approximately 22 months as a prisoner of war before his release in September 1953. On October 27, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented him with the Medal of Honor at the White House. Stone humbly believed that the honour belonged to the soldiers who had fought beside him.

Remarkably, captivity did not end his military career. Stone continued serving, eventually attaining the rank of colonel. During the Vietnam War, he served from September 1970 to August 1971 as Senior Advisor to the National Noncommissioned Officer Academy under Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. His Legion of Merit citation recognized his exceptional organizational leadership, development of military training programs, and valuable assistance in strengthening South Vietnamese and Khmer military training capabilities.

He also received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement between December 5, 1970, and March 15, 1971. Its citation highlighted his development of an improved training program that emphasized practical instruction, crew-served weapons, and hands-on experience, contributing to the effectiveness of South Vietnamese forces. His other recognized honours included the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Prisoner of War Medal, reflecting both the sacrifices and the wider responsibilities of his military career.

After nearly 30 years of service, Colonel James Lamar Stone retired from the Army in December 1976. He remained active in veterans' organizations and continued supporting the military community. In 2011, a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Fort Worth, Texas, was dedicated in his honour.

Stone died on November 9, 2012, in Arlington, Texas, and was laid to rest at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

His legacy is more than a Medal of Honor. It is the story of a soldier who led by example when survival seemed impossible, endured captivity without surrendering his spirit, and devoted the rest of his military career to strengthening those who served. Colonel James Lamar Stone remains an enduring example of courage, resilience, and selfless leadership.