[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SGT. LESTER R. STONE, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute today to a man who 
gave his life defending our Nation.
  Sgt. Lester R. Stone, Jr., distinguished himself on March 3, 1969, 
while serving as squad leader of the 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st 
Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division. 
On this date, the 1st Platoon as on a combat patrol mission just west 
of Landing Zone, 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, Sergeant 
Stone rushed into the open area to the side of his injured comrade. 
Utilizing the machinegun, Sergeant 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, Sergeant Stone had a malfunction in the machinegun, 
preventing him from firing the weapon automatically. Displaying 
extraordinary courage under the most adverse conditions, Sergeant 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 Sergeant Stone. Disregarding the danger involved, 
Sergeant Stone rose to his knees and began placing intense fire on the 
enemy at point-blank range, killing six 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.
  To fully recognize Sergeant Stone's heroism and bravery, I would like 
to ask my colleagues to join me in asking the U.S. Department of 
Veterans Affairs to name the new veterans outpatient clinic at the 
Binghamton Psychiatric Center after Sergeant Stone. I can think of no 
more fitting or appropriate gesture to memorialize Sgt. Lester R. 
Stone, Jr., and his contributions to our Nation's freedom.

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