Childhood and Education Journey of Ronald R. Van Stockum in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ronald R. Van Stockum, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ronald Reginald Van Stockum was a highly decorated Brigadier General in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Bougainville, Guam, and Iwo Jima campaigns during World War II. Later in his career, he served as the Director of the Marine Corps Reserve. He is particularly remembered for his role as the Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (Forward) on Okinawa during the Vietnam War era.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 1, 1916: Death of Reginald George Bareham

On July 1, 1916, Reginald George Bareham, Ronald Van Stockum's father, was killed in action while serving as a sergeant with the British Army during the Battle of the Somme. He died a week after his 22nd birthday and a week before his son Ronald was born.

July 8, 1916: Ronald Reginald Van Stockum's Birth

On July 8, 1916, Ronald Reginald Van Stockum was born as Ronald Reginald Bareham in Newton, Cambridgeshire, England, to Reginald George Bareham and Florence Rosetta Freestone.

1918: Florence Joins Women's Royal Air Force

In early 1918, Florence, Ronald's mother, joined the newly established Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF) and served as an ambulance driver until a few months after the end of World War I, when the WRAF was deactivated.

May 20, 1920: Marriage of Florence and Anton

On May 20, 1920, Florence, Ronald's mother, married Anton, which allowed her and Ronald to enter 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 and receiving a commission as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He was also active on the YMCA student board.

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. During this time, he worked with notable figures in Marine Corps history and received the highest marks in Drill and Command.

May 1938: Completion of Secondary Battery Gunnery School

In May 1938, Ronald Van Stockum completed Secondary Battery Gunnery School on board USS Nevada after completing basic school.

September 15, 1942: Sinking of the USS Wasp

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

June 1950: Graduation from Amphibious Warfare School

In June 1950, Ronald 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.

August 1957: Instruction at Royal Military College of Canada

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

1970: Settled in Shelby County, Kentucky

In 1970, Van Stockum settled with his family at Allen Dale Farm in Shelby County, Kentucky, and worked at the University of Louisville. He started as Assistant Dean for Administration at the School of Medicine, and later as Assistant to the University President.