James E. Stone
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86
12/8/1923
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3/10/2010
DeKalb, IL.
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James E. Stone, 86 of DeKalb, IL. died March 10, 2010, at Kishwaukee Hospital
James was born in Chicago, to Joel and Edith Stone. He married Bette Brooks on 11/28/1946.
Jim enlisted in the Army 11/19/1942. He served during WWII in the 12th Armored Division 43rd Tank Battalion as a tank commander and gunner. His division earned the name “Suicide Squad” due to a 12 day battle against 2 crack German units at Herrlesheim. At Colmar, his unit forced the Germans from their last stronghold in France
Under General Patton’s command in Rhineland the “Mystery Division” made the trek from Trier to the Rhine in less that 72 hours and had cleared the area of enemy in less than a week. The Mystery Division pushed from the Rhine to Austria in 37 days capturing 63,013 Germans.
At Dillengen, they captured the first intact bridge over the Danube. And at Lundsburg, they liberated 5 concentration camps, all satellite camps for Dachau.
Jim received a Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and multiple ribbons and medals signifying the numerous campaigns he fought in.
The 12th Armored Division’s colors fly proudly at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC as a liberating division.
Jim was involved in establishing the 12th Armored Division museum in Abilene, Texas
Jim was a 50 year member of Chicago Local IBEW 134 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), a lifetime member of the 12th Armored Division Association, Number 87, VFW 5040, Woodstock, Il., lifetime member of The Rhin et Danube Association, Patron member of the 12th Armored Division Association Memorial Museum, and a 21 year member of the American Legion Post 496, Mapleton, IA.
Jim was very active in his community volunteering his time to many church functions. and the March of Dimes. He organized blood drives, and taught flag etiquette and lectured in many schools about the Holocaust.
Jim served the 12th Armored Division Association in many ways and held numerous positions including: 43rd Tank Battalion Director at large, Vice President, President, reunion chairman, nominating and perpetuity committee, M.I.A. Memorial at Fort Campbell and P.O.W. Memorial at Andersonville.
Jim was awarded the Blue Ribbon Award, Mr. Hellcat, and The Outstanding Member Award by his fellow Hellcat’s.
Jim and his wife of 63 years enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively
Jim is survived by his wife, Bette; two daughters Deb of Rock Island, and Pam of DeKalb; two sons Greg (Norma) Cary, Matt Sycamore; 7 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren; two sisters Viola (Elmer) Olson, Chicago, Ruth (Jim) Gunderson Port Charlotte, FL; one brother Tim (Marilyn) Stone of River Bank, CA, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kerry, and his brother Joel (Evelyn).
Jim donated his body to Northern Illinois University. Services will be held when the cremains are released. Burial will be in the family plot at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton, Iowa. To send an online condolence visit: wwwronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak Street DeKalb, IL 60115, (815)-758-3841.
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