Seth Stone (September 17, 1976 - September 30, 2017) was a former United States Navy SEAL and two time Silver Star recipient.

Early life and education

Stone was born September 17, 1976, in Houston, Texas. His passion for serving his country led him to pursue a career in the military.

Military career

CDR. Stone attended the US Naval Academy and graduated 1999 with the service selection as a SWO (Surface Warfare Officer). After about two years, he was able to go to transfer and successfully completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. He demonstrated exceptional skills in various tactical operations, including marksmanship, hand-to-hand combat, and mission planning. His past assignments include Naval Special Warfare Command and the USS Gettysburg (CG-64). Stone's military training included Navy Freefall Parachutist, Basic Underwater Demolitions/SEAL, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE), Airborne, Special Operations Survival Training, Tomahawk Watch Officer, Basic Aegis Officer Console Operator, Surface Warfare Gunnery and Harpoon Officer.

Throughout his career, Stone was deployed to numerous conflict zones. His service included multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Battle of Ramadi in 2006.

Personal life

Stone died September 30, 2017, after his parachute failed to deploy thousands of feet in the air. Stone was 41. At the time of the incident, Commander Stone, who was assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific, was on leave. The coroner's investigation, detailed in the autopsy report, indicates that Stone had jumped from a hot-air balloon at approximately 4,000 feet altitude.

Awards and decorations

Source:

BadgeSpecial Warfare insignia
1st RowSilver Star with 1 Gold 5/16 inch starBronze Star with "V" device and 1 Gold 5/16 inch star
2nd RowArmy Commendation RibbonNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalCombat Action Ribbon
3rd RowValorous Unit AwardNavy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation
4th RowNational Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze 3/16 inch service starAfghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 bronze 3/16 inch starsIraq Campaign Medal with 3 bronze 3/16 inch stars
5th RowGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 bronze 3/16 inch stars
6th RowNATO MedalNavy Rifle Marksmanship Medal with expert deviceNavy Pistol Marksmanship Medal with expert device
BadgeSurface Warfare Officer Insignia
BadgeNavy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia