Born in Detroit, Michigan on March 16, 1881. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 16, 1903 and then served in the Phillipines from September 26, 1903 to August 28, 1905, in China, and then back in the Phillipines from September 29, 1906 to January 13, 1907. Honorably discharged in New York City on July 15, 1907. Reenlisted on May 31, 1912. Discharged a second time, after a tour spent mostly in Nicaragua, as a sergeant on May 30, 1916 in California. Reenlisted a week later on 7 June in NYC. Departed for France on February 8, 1918. He served in the Toulon sector, in the Aisne operation, and at Belleau Wood, where now Gunnery Sergeant Stockham was awarded the Medal of Honor. Died in France on June 22, 1918. Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by an Act of Congress on December 21, 1939, over 20 years after his sacrifice. 96th Company, 2d Battalion, 6th Regiment.