1LT BENJAMIN STEPHEN FORDHAM

James Fordham
JFordham@dallascounty.org
Brother
Dallas, TX., USA
Our brother

Steve was, my big brother and the family, was devastated by his death, in Vietnam. Our father died, a year later at age 52, of a heart attack, we all knew it was, because of a broken heart. Mom died, a couple of years later, (age 52) she never could get out, of the depression. Brother Mike and I live, in Dallas and see, each other regularly. Pictures, of Steve and his medals, are in both, of our homes. Steve was born, in Georgia and we moved to Venezuela, when Steve, was about 6, then moved to Monterrey, where Steve was, a star football player, at the American School. From Monterrey, Dad (who played, for the Chicago Bears) sent Steve, to his last two years, in high school, to San Marcos, Baptist Academy. He starred there also, in football and with his fellow students. (John Van Cronkike) Steve then went, to Warton, Junior College, in Texas and played poker, (as well as football) with the guy who wrote: "Raindrops keep failing, on my head," of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid fame. Next he went, to Baylor and graduated. His future was, in question, because the Vietnam war, was raging and the draft, was over all young men's heads. Steve said, if he had to go, he wanted to go, with the best and joined the Marines, as an officer. Steve wrote letters, to all of us regularly, when he was in Vietnam, but there were two, stories. The one, he wrote to Mom and Dad and me and the ones, he wrote to his friends. To us, it was all is fine, do not worry. To the friends, it was how frustrated, he was at losing "kids," under his command. He urged his friends, to do all they could, to avoid coming, to Vietnam. Steve was, a hell raiser, but he would give you, the shirt off his back. One story, that epitomizes Steve is when, a new skating rink came, to Monterrey, (Steve was, about 16) he and his friends had to go, of course, there were a lot of kids, (Steve included) that had trouble, while learning to skate. There was, an older guy, who was obviously, a very experienced skater, who was doing circles, around the younger kids and scaring them, making them fall, etc. The next time, the guy came by Steve, he gave the guy a forearm shiver (football term) The fight was on. Steve, won and was a hero, to all who were there. This type of story, can be told hundreds of times, about Steve. In Monterrey, the local American Legion, named their chapter, after Steve and the American School, gives out a yearly award, to the student, who shows leadership. In San Marcos, the Academy gives a yearly trophy, to the student athlete, most deserving. At Baylor, there is a plaque honoring Steve, on the lamppost next, to the Law School, but the best honor, Steve would ever have, is the love that all, who have met him, have in their memories. Thank all, of you, who have written, on this space and those, who loved Steve, during his brief, but full live.
Apr 5, 2008

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Feb 13, 2008

Jerry Day
jerryday55@yahoo.com
Friend
812, Link St., Red Oak, Tx., 75154, USA
T Buddy Steve
Steve, was a senior at San Marcos, Academy, when I was a freshman. He gave me, the name GW and sort, of took me under his wing. I called him, Buddy Steve, both these names came, from our initials. Steve helped, a young kid survive his first year at a school, far from home. Steve, was and will always, be my hero. I'll miss him, forever. Rest In Peace, Hero, your war is over. Rest well, my friend, you've earned it.
Mar 4, 2007

Philip Winston
pwinston@gvtc.com
Friend
3735, Running Springs Rd., San Antonio, TX., 78261, USA
Steve and I went, to the American School, in Monterrey, Mexico. I knew him, well. he was, a great kid, a fine man and he, has been missed.
Monday, May 09, 2005

LUIS MONTEMAYOR
lmontemayorg@prodigy.net.mx
MONTERREY, N.L., MEXICO
I live in Monterrey, Mexico and I want, to give my respect and am grateful, to this hero, because a little part of Monterrey, has been in Nam. Thanks to all viet nam, veterans. they give a great gift, for the rest of my life.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Robert Reynolds
rreynold66@msn.com
Friend
301S. Jupiter Rd. # 1301
Allen, Tx 75002 USA
Courage
http://msn.com
Steve was a Texan, he graduated from Baylor University where he played football. I knew him at San Marcos Academy, which is also in Texas. Steve got 100% out of life every day, he did not know the meaning of the word quit. I looked up to him like a big brother.
Thursday, June 28, 2001