Stanley Spikes was born on May 22, 1947, in Elizabeth, NJ. His home of record is Plainfield, NJ. As a boy, he was a member of Boy Scout Troop 23, Oak Tree. Stanley grew up in Plainfield, NJ, and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1965. The athletic young man was involved in track, shot put and javelin.
On March 20, 1967, Spikes entered the US Army at age 19. He received basic combat training. He was a rifleman and a grenadier in Vietnam. His tour of duty began on August 24, 1967, and Spikes quickly became a model soldier. He was a team leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion of the 25th Infantry Division’s 22nd Infantry. He participated in “Operation Yellowstone” near Saigon in early 1968, and attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
On April 14, 1968, Spikes was killed in action as he stepped on a land mine in an unknown location in Vietnam. He was 21 years old.
Spikes received eight medals for his service, including the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device. The latter award stated that “through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results.” It also stated that he assisted Vietnam “in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom.”
Spikes was married to Mrs. Betty L. Spikes, and had a son, Stanley, Jr. He also had a son, Lamont Mack, with Lynette Mack. His mother, Mae Spikes, passed away on January 3, 1965. He was also survived by his father, Lonnie Reaves, three brothers, eight sisters and a maternal grandmother.
Spikes’ citation for The Bronze Star Medal reads:
By direction of the President The Bronze Star Medal is presented posthumously to Specialist Four Stanley Spikes for distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 24 August 1967 to 13 April 1968.
Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever-changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom.
His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.
Sources: Plainfield High School and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
