Col. James Riley Stone enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces in 1939.
Joining the Edmonton Regiment, he swiftly began to make an impact on those around him. In 1944, over a span of 5 years, Stone became the Commanding Officer of the Regiment “holding every rank between Private and Colonel in the process,” explained Major (Padre) Allen during the opening of the new Military Police training facility named after Stone.
Col. StoneDuring his service, Stone was awarded two Distinguished Service Orders (DSO), one with a citation that read; “There were many instances where Lt-Col Stone’s personal leadership was the contributing factor to the success in battle. His initiative and courage are unsurpassed.”
He left the CAF at this time, but still held strong to his military ties, commanding the Rocky Mountain Rangers militia regiment.
It was no secret that Stone was not an easy man- “he had a very high standard”, said Allen.
Because of his high standard and earned reputation, Stone was personally chosen in 1950 to command Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion (2PPCLI) in Korea.
During his early training as a soldier, Stone became familiar and confident with the proper process for combat. Knowing this, he refused to send his battalion into the front lines without full confidence that they would succeed.
His dedicated instruction also lead to success at the Battle of Kapyong, where 2PPCLI had stopped the enemy invasion at the front lines, protecting Seoul from infiltration.
His drive for high standards in himself and in his troops is notable; under his command, only 10 Canadians were killed, where the enemy saw over 2000 causalities.
Shortly after battle, Stone receive sobering news; his daughter Moira was stricken with cancer of the eye, resulting in blindness and eventually led to her death at the age of 7.
Upon his return, Stone was appointed Provost Marshall of the Military Police. As Provost he created the Military Police Fund for Blind Children.
During his daughter’s affliction, he saw the struggle that other organizations and families such as his were encountering in obtaining equipment and support they required and wanted to do something to help.
In hopes of elevating the standard for organizations such as these, he began to canvass the Military Police population, asking for small donations to help other children who were blind like his daughter.
With this act, Stone began the fund that has grown into a renowned charity today.
“I believe that God created us to improve our world,” said Allen, “and if you look at the life of Colonel James Stone, where ever he went that’s exactly what he did.”
Sources:
www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
