History of Ronald R. Van Stockum in Timeline

Ronald Reginald Van Stockum was a highly decorated Brigadier General in the United States Marine Corps. He served in significant campaigns during World War II, including Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Later in his career, during the Vietnam War era, he held important leadership positions such as Director of the Marine Corps Reserve and Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (Forward) on Okinawa. His career reflects substantial service and leadership within the Marine Corps across multiple conflicts.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 1, 1916: Father Killed in Action

On July 1, 1916, Ronald's father, Reginald George Bareham, was killed in action while serving as a sergeant with the British Army during the Battle of the Somme.

July 8, 1916: Ronald Reginald Van Stockum Born

On July 8, 1916, Ronald Reginald Van Stockum was born in Newton, Cambridgeshire, England.

1918: Mother Joins Women's Royal Air Force

In early 1918, Ronald's mother, Florence, joined the newly established Women's Royal Air Force, serving as an ambulance driver.

May 20, 1920: Mother Marries Anton Van Stockum

On May 20, 1920, Ronald's mother, Florence, married Anton Van Stockum to gain entry to the United States. Ronald was later adopted by Anton and renamed Van Stockum.

June 1937: Graduation from the University of Washington

In June 1937, Ronald Van Stockum graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a bachelor's degree after completing the ROTC course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps and was active on the YMCA student board during his time at the university.

August 4, 1937: Assignment to the Basic School

On August 4, 1937, Ronald Van Stockum's first assignment as a Second Lieutenant was to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for Marine Corps Officer instruction.

May 1938: Completion of Basic School

At the end of May 1938, Van Stockum completed the Basic School and traveled to the West Coast.

May 1939: Assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment

In mid-May 1939, Van Stockum was ordered to San Diego and attached to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Oliver P. Smith.

January 1941: Ordered for Sea Duties

In January 1941, Van Stockum was ordered again for sea duties as a member of the Marine detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp.

February 1942: Promoted to Captain and Assumed Command

In February 1942, following the United States' entry into World War II, Van Stockum was promoted to the rank of captain and succeeded Captain August Larson in command of the detachment aboard USS Wasp.

May 1942: Participated in Relief of Malta

In April and May 1942, Van Stockum participated in the relief of Malta, when USS Wasp delivered 47 Spitfires fighter planes within the Operations Calendar and Bowery.

July 1942: Assumed Duty as Battalion Executive Officer

In July 1942, Van Stockum's battalion was ordered to San Diego, California, and he assumed duty as the battalion's executive officer.

September 15, 1942: Sinking of USS Wasp

On September 15, 1942, the USS Wasp was sunk off Guadalcanal. Captain John Kennedy, who relieved Van Stockum, was lost in the sinking.

November 1943: Sailed for Bougainville Island Campaign

In November 1943, after intensive training on Guadalcanal, Van Stockum sailed with his battalion for the Bougainville Island campaign in the North Solomon Islands.

December 1943: Took Part in Battle of Hellzapoppin Ridge

At the beginning of December 1943, Van Stockum took part in the battle of Hellzapoppin Ridge and spent a night in a foxhole.

January 9, 1944: Ordered Back to Guadalcanal

On January 9, 1944, the 21st Regiment, including Van Stockum, was ordered back to Guadalcanal. He was later awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his service on Bougainville.

July 21, 1944: Landed on Guam

On July 21, 1944, Van Stockum sailed with the 1st Battalion to Guam, landing ashore with the first waves of troops on Asan Beach. During a Japanese counterattack, he proceeded alone to the front lines and reported that the lines had held.

February 1945: Floating Reserve Off Iwo Jima

In February 1945, Van Stockum's battalion was scheduled to take part in the battle of Iwo Jima but remained in floating reserve off shore.

February 23, 1945: Observed Flag Raising on Mt. Suribachi

On February 23, 1945, Van Stockum observed the famous incident of the US flag being raised on Mt. Suribachi while in floating reserve off shore during the battle of Iwo Jima.

April 1945: Assumed Duty as Instructor at Camp Pendleton

In April 1945, Van Stockum returned to the United States and assumed duty as an instructor, Troop Training Unit, Pacific Fleet at Camp Pendleton, California, training Army and Marine units in Amphibious Operations.

April 1945: Assigned to Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific

In April 1945, Van Stockum was assigned to the Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific, at Camp Pendleton, California, where he trained Army and Marine units in Amphibious Operations.

January 1947: Assigned as Inspector-Instructor in Minneapolis

In January 1947, Van Stockum was ordered to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for duty as Inspector-Instructor with 4th Marine Reserve Infantry Battalion.

June 1948: Transferred to New York City

In June 1948, Van Stockum was transferred to the same position with a reserve battalion in New York City and remained in that command for one year.

June 1950: Graduated from Amphibious Warfare School

In June 1950, Van Stockum graduated from the Senior Course at the Amphibious Warfare School at Quantico, Virginia, and assumed duty as Senior Marine Officer, Amphibious Group Two under Rear Admiral Harold D. Baker.

July 1951: Promoted to Colonel

In July 1951, Van Stockum was promoted to the rank of colonel during his assignment with Amphibious Group Two.

July 1952: Assumed Command at Naval Training Center

In July 1952, Van Stockum was transferred to the Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois, and assumed duty as commanding officer of the Marine detachment and district Marine officer during the Korean War.

August 1954: Joined 3rd Marine Division in Japan

In August 1954, Van Stockum was ordered to Gifu, Japan, and joined the staff of the 3rd Marine Division as a divisional intelligence officer (G-2).

June 1957: Received Army Commendation Medal

At the end of June 1957, General Lyman Lemnitzer awarded Van Stockum the Army Commendation Medal for his service in the Far East while serving as Lemnitzer's commandant of the headquarters in Tokyo. Afterwards, Van Stockum returned to the United States.

August 1957: Ordered to Royal Military College of Canada

In August 1957, Van Stockum was ordered to the instruction at Royal Military College of Canada at Fort Frontenac in Kingston, Ontario.

July 1958: Reported to 2nd Marine Division

In July 1958, Van Stockum graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada and reported to 2nd Marine Division as deputy chief of staff.

July 1959: Assumed Command of 8th Marine Regiment

At the beginning of July 1959, Van Stockum's tour of duty with 2nd Marine Division continued when he assumed command of 8th Marine Regiment.

June 1960: Appointed Divisional Inspector

In June 1960, Major General James P. Berkeley appointed Van Stockum as Divisional Inspector, responsible for scheduling and conducting inspections.

February 1961: Appointed Divisional Chief of Staff

In February 1961, Van Stockum was appointed Divisional Chief of Staff and was co-responsible for the organization of Operation Old-Timer, social event made for the 20th Birthday of 2nd Marine Division.

July 1961: Assumed Duty as Director, 4th Marine Reserve

In July 1961, Van Stockum assumed duty as director, 4th Marine Reserve and Recruitment District in Philadelphia, responsible for reserve units and recruitment stations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Delaware. He also received word of his nomination to the rank of brigadier general.

June 5, 1962: Director of Marine Corps Reserve

On June 5, 1962, Van Stockum was ordered to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., and relieved brigadier general William T. Fairbourn as director, Marine Corps Reserve, with responsibility for all Reserve units and activities for the entire Marine Corps.

July 1, 1962: Promoted to Brigadier General

On July 1, 1962, Van Stockum was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

March 1964: Appointed Commanding General

In March 1964, Van Stockum was transferred to San Diego and appointed commanding general, Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific, training Army and Marine units in Amphibious Operations.

October 1964: Invited to Tsoying, Taiwan

In October 1964, Van Stockum was invited to Tsoying, Taiwan, by Lieutenant General Yu Hao-chang, Commandant of the Chinese (Taiwan) Marine Corps, during his tour of the Western Pacific to inspect his training teams.

February 1966: Ordered to Okinawa

In February 1966, Van Stockum was ordered to Okinawa and succeeded Melvin D. Henderson as commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (Forward) and deputy to Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak. His main responsibility was coordinating logistics for the Vietnam War.

March 16, 1967: Succeeded by Major General John G. Bouker

On March 16, 1967, Van Stockum was succeeded by Major General John G. Bouker and received his second Legion of Merit for his service with Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

June 30, 1967: Retirement from the Marine Corps

On June 30, 1967, Van Stockum completed thirty years of active service and retired from the Marine Corps.

February 1969: Completion of assignment on the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

In February 1969, Van Stockum completed his assignment as the Marine Corps Representative on the Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals.

1970: Settled at Allen Dale Farm

In 1970, Van Stockum settled with his family at Allen Dale Farm in Shelby County, Kentucky, and began working at the University of Louisville.

May 1976: Hosted President Gerald Ford

In May 1976, Van Stockum, during his tenure with Louisville Armed Forces Committee, hosted President Gerald Ford during the President's visit to Louisville.

2000: Death of Susanne de Charette Van Stockum

In 2000, Susanne de Charette Van Stockum, wife of General Van Stockum, passed away after 51 years of marriage.

April 24, 2022: Ronald Reginald Van Stockum Death

Ronald Reginald Van Stockum died on April 24, 2022. He was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps, holding the rank of brigadier general.