Marine Corps League presents medallion to WWII soldier 77 years after his death
It took 77 years for Technical Sergeant Charles Stephenson to receive his Marine Corps Medallion.
On Monday morning, members of Morgan County Detachment #1367 of the Marine Corps League presented Stephenson his medal at Olive Christian Church cemetery.
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Stephenson was 26 years old when he was killed in action on March 19, 1945.
Due to the war, Stephenson, along with 771 crew members, were buried at sea.
At the time, he was serving on the CV USS Franklin as a member of VMF-214 MAG42. That was the air group made popular by the TV program Black Sheep Squadron commanded by Colonel Gregory "Pappy '' Boyington.
The Franklin was within 50 miles of the Japanese homeland launching aircraft when a single Japanese bomber dropped two semi-armor piercing bombs on her. Both struck her causing major loss of life and damage.
Since he was buried at sea, he was given a headstone and an empty grave at the Morgan County cemetery.
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For some reason, Stephenson never received the Marine Corp Medallion.
Members of the local league have worked for some time to be able to present the medallion to Stephenson. They attempted to find any living family members of Stephenson, but were unsuccessful.
This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: WWII soldier presented medallion 77 years after his death
