Lance Corporal Dion James Stephenson, A Marine's Story
Lance Corporal Dion James Stephenson, A Marine's Story
Lance Corporal Dion James Stephenson was born on December 19, 1968, in Las Vegas, Nevada. During his childhood, his family relocated to Bountiful, Utah, where he attended Woods Cross High School. There, Stephenson was an accomplished and well-rounded student, participating in swimming, soccer, cross country, and track, and performing with the school’s drama club.
Despite receiving several scholarship opportunities, Stephenson chose a different path. In 1988, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, committing himself to military service at a young age.
After completing training, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. In August 1990, his unit deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War. As part of a combat infantry unit, Stephenson served in an environment marked by constant movement, preparation, and exposure to enemy action.
On January 29, 1991, while conducting a reconnaissance mission, Stephenson’s light armored vehicle (LAV) came under enemy fire. He was mortally wounded during the engagement.
Lance Corporal Dion James Stephenson is buried at Bountiful City Cemetery in Bountiful, Utah. His service reflects the sacrifice of young Marines who placed duty above personal opportunity and answered the call during the Gulf War’s most intense fighting.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
