thedrifter
08-03-07, 04:22 AM
Fallen Marine honored as hero
Stokes, who died in Iraq, nominated for Bronze Star for bravery, featured in book, documentary
By Greg Moberly, gregm@theunion.com
» More from Greg Moberly
12:01 a.m. PT Aug 3, 2007
Sean Stokes, the local U.S. Marine corporal recently killed in Iraq, fought insurgents with his fellow Marines in Fallujah even while hiding shrapnel wounds on his arms and legs, said a writer embedded with Stokes' platoon in 2004.
Stokes' platoon and its role in the fight for Fallujah is the subject of a History Channel documentary, "Shootout, D-Day Fallujah," which first aired in summer 2005.
"He actually hid his wounds so he could stay with the rest of the guys," said Patrick O'Donnell, author of the book "We Were One" and one of the documentary writers. "That's (cause for) an immediate evacuation" from the field if platoon leaders discover the wounds, he said.
Stokes, 24, died Monday from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, according to a United States Department of Defense press release. Stokes, a 2001 graduate of Bear River High School, was on his third tour of duty in Iraq.
"Sean was our hero," said Sean's stepmother, Sue Stokes, in a statement. "Sean was courageous, dedicated and passionate about what he was doing."
"He cared deeply for his fellow Marines and volunteered to deploy on this last tour to watch out for his brothers in arms," Sue Stokes said. "Sean had a huge heart and was well respected by everyone who knew him. ... We hope and pray for the safety of all of our troops in harm's way."
Heroism in Fallujah
O'Donnell's book focuses heavily on Stokes, of Lake of the Pines, and his platoon. It also includes gripping details about the November 2004 battle for Fallujah.
While attempting to secure a house in the city, Stokes was unable to escape as enemy fighters sprayed machine gun fire at him, O'Donnell told The Union.
"A grenade detonated next to him, sending him flying and giving him a concussion, but he was able to recover," O'Donnell said. Then, he ran out of ammunition, he said.
Stokes' team leader had to knock down a side door and get him out of the house, O'Donnell said.
"The stories are even more amazing now," O'Donnell said. "The sad thing is, hardly anybody knows anything about him."
The author wrote to the Marine Corps in March to nominate Stokes for the Bronze Star for his heroism in Fallujah, he said.
Stokes received at least two Purple Heart awards for his injuries in Iraq, Sue Stokes said.
This week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered Capitol flags flown at half staff for the fallen Marine.
"Risking his life to protect fellow citizens was a duty Cpl. Sean Stokes undertook with pride and honor," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Family members expect the fallen Marine's body to be flown into Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield Saturday morning, Sue Stokes said. Funeral plans are pending but could be held Sunday or Tuesday in Susanville, she said. Walton's Colonial Mortuary in Susanville is handling the arrangements.
ooo
To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gregm@theunion.com or call 477-4234.
Ellie
Stokes, who died in Iraq, nominated for Bronze Star for bravery, featured in book, documentary
By Greg Moberly, gregm@theunion.com
» More from Greg Moberly
12:01 a.m. PT Aug 3, 2007
Sean Stokes, the local U.S. Marine corporal recently killed in Iraq, fought insurgents with his fellow Marines in Fallujah even while hiding shrapnel wounds on his arms and legs, said a writer embedded with Stokes' platoon in 2004.
Stokes' platoon and its role in the fight for Fallujah is the subject of a History Channel documentary, "Shootout, D-Day Fallujah," which first aired in summer 2005.
"He actually hid his wounds so he could stay with the rest of the guys," said Patrick O'Donnell, author of the book "We Were One" and one of the documentary writers. "That's (cause for) an immediate evacuation" from the field if platoon leaders discover the wounds, he said.
Stokes, 24, died Monday from wounds suffered while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, according to a United States Department of Defense press release. Stokes, a 2001 graduate of Bear River High School, was on his third tour of duty in Iraq.
"Sean was our hero," said Sean's stepmother, Sue Stokes, in a statement. "Sean was courageous, dedicated and passionate about what he was doing."
"He cared deeply for his fellow Marines and volunteered to deploy on this last tour to watch out for his brothers in arms," Sue Stokes said. "Sean had a huge heart and was well respected by everyone who knew him. ... We hope and pray for the safety of all of our troops in harm's way."
Heroism in Fallujah
O'Donnell's book focuses heavily on Stokes, of Lake of the Pines, and his platoon. It also includes gripping details about the November 2004 battle for Fallujah.
While attempting to secure a house in the city, Stokes was unable to escape as enemy fighters sprayed machine gun fire at him, O'Donnell told The Union.
"A grenade detonated next to him, sending him flying and giving him a concussion, but he was able to recover," O'Donnell said. Then, he ran out of ammunition, he said.
Stokes' team leader had to knock down a side door and get him out of the house, O'Donnell said.
"The stories are even more amazing now," O'Donnell said. "The sad thing is, hardly anybody knows anything about him."
The author wrote to the Marine Corps in March to nominate Stokes for the Bronze Star for his heroism in Fallujah, he said.
Stokes received at least two Purple Heart awards for his injuries in Iraq, Sue Stokes said.
This week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered Capitol flags flown at half staff for the fallen Marine.
"Risking his life to protect fellow citizens was a duty Cpl. Sean Stokes undertook with pride and honor," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.
Family members expect the fallen Marine's body to be flown into Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield Saturday morning, Sue Stokes said. Funeral plans are pending but could be held Sunday or Tuesday in Susanville, she said. Walton's Colonial Mortuary in Susanville is handling the arrangements.
ooo
To contact Staff Writer Greg Moberly, e-mail gregm@theunion.com or call 477-4234.
Ellie