10 Feb 2002 SSGT Oliver Clifton Stamps, died under my care in the Republic of Viet Nam on or about 08 January, 1970. He was a great leader of men. I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman assigned to his unit. He was mortally wounded early in the day while he was disarming a booby trap. He succumbed to his wounds in transit to the 1st Medical Battalion on a Medievac Chopper while I was at his side. I was the only medical corpsman to come to his aid after he was wounded. I and the Marines with me tried feverishly to save his life but ... in the end, we could not. There isn't a year that has passed that I have not remembered him on the anniversary of his death. He had a love for his family. A warm gentle smile and a knack for leading his Marines. He is sadly missed. Sincerely, Vern F. Bosley (HM2-USN)

 

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to STAFF SERGEANT OLIVER C. STAMPS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 7 January 1970, Staff Sergeant Stamps was leading his platoon during a combat patrol when one of the Marines alertly detected an unexploded enemy bobby trap. After fearlessly examining the lethal device, Staff Sergeant Stamps determined that, because of its construction, it could not be safely disarmed. Unwilling to leave it in place and thus risk possible harm to other persons, he elected to detonate it in place. After carefully positioning his men in covered positions well away from the dangerous area, he valiantly approached the explosive device, but was mortally wounded when it prematurely exploded. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and saved several Marines from serious wounds or possible death. By his courage, selfless concern for his fellowmen, and steadfast devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Stamps upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country. FOR THE PRESIDENT, //s// H. W. BUSE, JR. Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

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