Photos courtesy of EO Richard Felkey

Gunnery Sgt. Fred Stockham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on December 21, 1939 by an act of Congress for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. He died in France on June 22, 1918 while serving in the 96th Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. At Bois-de-Belleau, France, as stated in his Medal of Honor citation, during an intense enemy bombardment with high explosive and gas shells, which wounded or killed many members of the company, G/Sgt. 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.

Photo: AB Jason Baker