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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War I - U.S. Marine Corps

Fred William Stockham

Details
  • Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
  • Conflict/Era: World War I
  • Unit/Command:
    96th Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Regiment, 4th Brigade,
    2d Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: June 13 - 14, 1918
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Bois-de-Belleau
Citation
During an intense enemy bombardment with high-explosive and gas shells which wounded or killed many members of the company, GSgt. Stockham, upon noticing that the gas mask of a wounded comrade was shot away, without hesitation, removed his own gas mask and insisted upon giving it to the wounded man, well knowing that the effects of the gas would be fatal to himself. He continued with undaunted courage and valor to direct and assist in the evacuation of the wounded, until he himself collapsed from the effects of gas, dying as a result thereof a few days later. His courageous conduct undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his wounded comrades, and his conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to all who served with him.
Medal of Honor Recipient Fred W. Stockham
Medal of Honor Recipient Fred W. Stockham
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New York, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: December 21, 1939
    Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., later presented to American Legion Post named in his honor in St. Louis, Mo.
  • Born: March 16, 1881, Detroit, Wayne County, MI, United States
  • Died: June 22, 1918, France
  • Buried: Hollywood Cemetery (MH) (C-9-3), Union, NJ, United States
  • Location of Medal: Naval Historical Center, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC ; Soldier's Memorial, St. Louis, MO
 

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