He’s received a Combat Action Ribbon, two Certificates of Appreciation for action on the enemy, a Meritorious Mass, and a Navy & Marine Corp Commendation Medal for overall leadership, casualty evacuations, and action against numerous enemy engagements. But what may be Conrad Stephenson’s greatest accolade reaches far beyond what any medal could ever hope to commemorate.

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“He’s my hero,” says Farm Bureau agent Craig Stephenson of his only son, Conrad.

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Conrad Stephenson enlisted in the Marines in March, 2003, after hearing President Bush give a speech about 9/11, the atrocities of Saddam Hussein and Bin Laden, and the war on terror. Conrad, then 20 years-old, felt that every healthy young man has an obligation and duty to serve their country.

 

“I was pretty upset he had signed up knowing we were going to be in a war before the year was out,” Craig says.

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After three months of basic training at 29 Palms, California, Conrad completed infantry school at Camp Pendleton, California. As part of the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines KILO Company, Conrad’s first deployment was to Fallujah, Iraq, as a Gunner.

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“The Gunner,” Craig explains, “Is the guy who packs the big 50 caliber machine gun on the front lines, and uses it.”

 

Conrad’s second deployment was again as a Gunner in Fallujah.  This time his battalion conducted missions to take out enemy training camps, weapons caches, and  raids on insurgents.

 

Conrad then volunteered for a third deployment as a Section Leader for a  regimental “jump team” in the Al Anbar Province.

 

This elite and heavily armored squad received specialized training to provide security for the Colonel. When the Colonel wasn’t traveling, the squad assisted at trouble areas and hot spots.

 

The operations Conrad participated in (as parts of Operation Iraqi Freedom) included Al Fajr and Vigilant Resolve. (The hanging and burning of four American private military contractors in Fallujah was the chief catalyst for Operation Vigilant Resolve.)

 

“I know he’s had to kill dozens of men,” Craig says. “He had a grenade land in the middle of his guys and not go off, and a suicide truck bomber miraculously left them all with nothing but scrapes and burns. He and I are definite believers in Divine Intervention.”

 

[When Craig was asked for photos for this article, he said Conrad’s backpack had been shot and blown up on his first deployment, so they didn’t have a lot of photos.]

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Conrad told Craig there are some soft spots and easier assignments, depending on the part of the military you’re in. But, Craig says, “At the battlefront and during his second deployment in Fallujah, they slept in foxholes they dug in the sand, carried a 70 pound pack besides their weapons, battled 130 degree heat, cold, ate MRE’s (meals ready to eat), and only came in once a month to shower, eat a hot meal, and send an email.” This one day break, Craig says, was the only time Conrad could “rest without fear of getting killed.”

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Craig says they weren’t able to have much contact with Conrad while he was in Iraq. No phones were permitted during his one-day breaks and long lines at the computers meant Conrad sent one email for everyone.

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“I was constantly worried,” Craig says. “I couldn’t sleep and watched the news a lot, and prayed fervently.”

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Craig says he found comfort knowing that if  he were there fighting, Conrad would be the guy he’d want beside him. “He’s physically very strong, fiercely loyal to his friends and causes, mentally tough, and absolutely fearless—a little bit nuts! He’s a ‘man’s man.’”

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Conrad was discharged on May 5, 2007, with the rank of Sergeant. He is currently on inactive duty and would like to be a Pocatello fireman.

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“I feel a great sense of pride as I watch him move on to another chapter in his life with a quiet dignity,” Craig says. “He doesn't talk a lot about the war. He will answer questions if you ask him but he doesn’t like to have anyone make a fuss over him and make a big deal out of things.”

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Conrad does believe— despite what the media portrays—most of the common people in Iraq are grateful for the U.S. and our help, and that we’re doing the right thing by being there.

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“It amazes me,” Craig adds, “how someone so strong, brave, and fierce is so kind-hearted, humble, and gentle, a champion of the underdog. I gave him a blessing when he was a baby and blessed him that he would become a leader among men and a servant to all. I believe that he has.”

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