Charles P. Stone (June 17, 1915 – February 6, 2012),[1] was a career United States Army officer during the middle of the 20th century.

[3] He joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and then competed for a Regular Army commission under the federal Thomason Act.

Before departing his command of the 4th Infantry Division, he had a caustic farewell message printed in Vietnamese on leaflets and air-dropped to enemy troops.

"[4]: 354–5 Despite his combat successes, Stone's tour in Vietnam was marred by controversy over his order that soldiers at the division base camp cited for failing to salute "will be immediately transferred to the forward area."

The order had taken effect after Stone had assumed command of the 4th Division in January 1968, but only appeared in print in September in a daily divisional bulletin.

The order garnered media attention in America and Stone said in an interview the Defense Department told him "the country is aroused over your saluting policy" so he withdrew it.

According to The New York Times, Stone "said he had also rescinded similar orders that sent to forward areas soldiers who had their driver's licenses revoked or who violated off-limits and curfew regulations."

The military virtues are obedience and discipline at all times so that they can be counted on when absolutely necessary for the security of army units and the success of their missions.