THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Colben Benjamin Stokes Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

I will always remember what you did that morning 13068, trying to reach 1st LT Manning because we thought he might be still alive, you reached him but he was KIA and you too then were KIA. You gave your life trying to save his. When the Col ordered us to pull out and the platoon laid down fire we then were able to get you and LT Manning out to be sent back home. I will always remember, I salute you for your ultimate sacrifice!! Thank-you.

Colben is buried at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel,MS. SS PH

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Colben Benjamin Stokes (MCSN: 2101657), United States 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.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Semper Fi, Marine.