PFC Michael Howard Stoflet (1945-1966)

PFC Michael Howard Stoflet

Birth

11 Jun 1945

Burlington, Racine County, Wisconsin, USA

Death

1 Nov 1966 (aged 21)

Bình Định, Vietnam

Burial

Hickory Grove Cemetery

Spring Prairie, Walworth County, Wisconsin, USA Add to Map

Memorial ID

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"And they who for their country die shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier's tomb, and beauty weeps the brave." (Joseph Drake)

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Note: Information included in this memorial was originally researched and posted by FGraver Robert Fowler - his hard work is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to M Traver for obtaining and posting the photo of his headstone.

★★★★★★★ RECIPIENT OF THE PURPLE HEART ★★★★★★★

★★★★ RECIPIENT OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS ★★★★

UNITED STATES ARMY
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS
COMPANY A
5th BATTALION
7th CAVALRY
1st CAVALRY DIVISION

Killed In Action

Detail:

Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Michael Howard Stoflet (ASN: 55857498), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Stoflet distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 November 1966, while his unit was being airlifted to reinforce a besieged American unit. As his platoon proceeded north from the landing zone to assist the friendly unit, it came under intense automatic weapons fire from several fortified Viet Cong bunkers. Private First Class Stoflet's squad continued to advance until it was pinned down approximately 75 meters short of the hostile positions. Realizing the perilous position his comrades were in, he dauntlessly began a one-man assault on the insurgent emplacement. Despite the murderous volume of fire directed at him, Private First Class Stoflet succeeded in safely reaching the bunker, and immediately found an opening through which he could get inside. His first attempt to secure the position was nearly fatal, as a burst of automatic weapons fire sent him reeling backwards with a slight head wound. Momentarily stunned, Private First Class Stoflet again disregard his safety to vault back into the small opening. In this courageous effort to overcome the enemy, he was mortally wounded. His unimpeachable valor in the face of overwhelming odds enabled the platoon to overrun the Viet Cong position and accomplish its mission. Private First Class Stoflet's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 676 (February 15, 1967)

PFC Stoflet is commemorated on The Wall at Panel Panel 12E, Line 008.

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"These heroes are dead. They died for liberty - they died for us. They are at rest. They may or may not sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars - they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead." ~Robert G. Ingersoll