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.
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