Colben Benjamin Stokes

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Colben Benjamin Stokes (2101657), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, First Military Police Battalion, Force Logistic Command, THIRD Marine Amphibious Force, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 30 January 1968, during a combat operation in the DaNang Tactical Area of Responsibility, Private First Class Stokes’ platoon was moving into a blocking position near Ap Bon (1). Suddenly, the Marines came under a heavy volume of small arms fire and grenades from a numerically superior enemy force and, in the ensuing engagement, several Marines were wounded. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Stokes exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to assist his injured comrades. Ignoring the intense enemy fire, he fearlessly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to a wounded corpsman and skillfully rendered medical treatment. Despite the heavy volume of enemy fire directed at him, he unhesitatingly crawled toward an injured Marine officer. Before reaching the casualty, however, Private First Class Stokes was mortally wounded. His resolute determination and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Stokes upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.