Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Combat veteran honored during ‘Veterans Night’ at Media Theatre
Ray Stankus served in Vietnam in 1971
MEDIA >> Vietnam War Veteran Ray Stankus was honored during “Veterans Night” at the Media Theatre.
Prior to the showing of its latest production of “Sweeney Todd,” Media Theatre’s Artistic Director Jesse Cline, the theater’s General Manager Patrick Ward, WWII Veteran Ed Buffman Sr., the chairman of the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, and several others, honored Stankus for his service. Stankus was the 71st combat veteran honored at Veterans Night since its inception 18 years ago. The show was well attended by veterans, who were applauded and recognized for their service.
“I’m glad that I had the opportunity to serve my country,” Stankus said, “which, as most veterans would say, is honor in itself.”
An advocate for Vietnam veterans, Stankus, along with several others, back in 1994 established the homeless veterans assistance and outreach program “Philadelphia Stand Down.”
Additionally, he’s an adviser to the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum, which began at Media Theatre, moved to its current location and was originally known as the Delaware County Veterans Museum.
Born in Germany, Stankus immigrated to the United States with his family and became a naturalized citizen in 1958. He grew up in Chester and graduated from St. James Catholic High School.
He went on to Drexel University, where he joined the Army ROTC. After two years, members had to sign up for the military or drop out of the program. Growing up in the 1950s, he said he enjoyed “playing soldier” with his friends, and he always liked the mili-
tary. Stankus said he realized there was a chance he would be drafted for the war upon graduation. He decided to continue in the ROTC program and became an officer in the Army.
Stankus graduated from Drexel in 1969, which he described as a “good year.” That year, astronauts landed on the moon, he married and went to basic training for nine weeks. He was sent to Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He was then sent to Fort Ord in California for additional training.
Stankus said he considered serving in the military as something he was supposed to do as a citizen. He noted, however, that his regret is that more than 58,000 Americans lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
Stankus said he placed his uniform in the closet when he returned home, and didn’t say anything about his experience until the Vietnam War Memorial was unveiled. That, he said, is when people showed Vietnam War veterans respect. Prior to that, only his family knew he served in Vietnam.
“It wasn’t something you wanted to talk about,” Stankus said. “You didn’t want to put it on your resume to get a job.”
The 173rd Airborne Brigade was the first major U.S. Army ground formation deployed in Vietnam, serving there from 1965-71, and losing almost 1,800 soldiers. Stankus said his men were brave and selfless, and they would do anything to save a buddy. He added that they did what he asked them to do and they did it well. He says he is alive today because of the quality of his platoon.
Among his awards, he is the recipient of the Bronze Star for meritorious service when he helped recover wounded comrades and equipment while under fire from the enemy.
He was promoted to First Lieutenant, in 1971, when he was stationed in the Binh Ding Province. He was assigned as the platoon leader of the 1st Platoon, “Bravo Company,” 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. The troop spent days at a time without firing any shots, and at other times, they would suddenly be ambushed.
Stankus said when the soldiers heard the rumors that the war may be ending, it was harder to work under those conditions because they feared dying before receiving their orders to return home.
During his service and from his experiences, he said he learned about conquering fears and believing in himself. He said they learned how to get out of difficult situations and how to work under tough conditions while remaining calm and carrying out orders.
Stankus and his wife, Barbara, live in Nether Providence. They have been married for 49 years, and are fortunate to have three grandchildren today.