Stephen was assigned to Charlie Troop on March 2, 1969 and was Killed in Action on July 2, 1969. Stephen was a Pilot of an OH-6A Observation helicopter.
Stephen was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct Meda, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Aviator Wings.
The following was written by Elizabeth (Simpson) Bondatti a childhood friend of Stephen.
I cannot forget the smile on your face as a young boy, flying your gas-powered airplane at you grandfathers house in Walden NY. It flew fairly high, around a tree, and the determination you had to keep it in the air. I was two yrs younger than you, I don’t even think you noticed me watching you. I don’t even think you were aware of my fascination of such a sight! Stephen, I am not surprised at all, that you would pilot a helicopter in the Vietnam wa. I am not surprised you made the ultimate sacrifice for your fellow mankind. I will never forget that day, in my child like eyes of you, ‘dreaming’ maybe to fly someday.
If any family member or friend reads this blog, please contact me as I am looking for pictures and personal stories about this brave man.
Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 
Elizabeth Bondatti
May 26, 2013
Thinking of you on this Memorial day weekend. The sacrifice you made for your country!!!
Elizabeth Bondatti
May 26, 2014
Dear Stephen, Thinking of you always, and your parents who are joined with you. Still trying to understand why your medals were never presented to your parents when they were alive. I was informed, by the government that I could purchase them!!! Still trying to get what a hero deserves, recognition, here on earth. I no you wouldn’t have done anything different, but I am still fighting the fight. Give me a sign that it is ok. Until I receive that sign, I will keep trying to make things right. Your cousin Bette
patrickbieneman
May 27, 2014
Elizabeth, if you are related in anyway to Stephen, I will help you his medals free of charge. Pat
Elizabeth Bondatti
June 28, 2014
Yes please Help. What do I need to do Stephen was my cousin
patrickbieneman
June 29, 2014
Elizabeth, Go to my post on “Military records and Medals”. Follow the directions. Just tell them that he was your uncle and you are the last kin. If you mother is still alive fill our the form for her. As the last loving relative there shouldn’t be any problems. Remember to fill your request electronically and then download the SF180 form, fill it out and mail it in. The process of getting the medals can take as much as 6-9 months. Just let them know that his medals were lost after several moves. If you need anymore assistance send me an email at pcbnamin@verizon.net .
Joy Chapman Hinkle
March 29, 2016
I knew Stephen the summer of 1968 when he was in Mineral,Wells, Texas at Ft. Walters. My cousin was there too and they would spend weekends with us at the lake. I was only 13 but he was nice to me. I had such a crush on him. I hated hearing he didn’t come home.
patrickbieneman
March 30, 2016
Joy, Stephan was a good man and a good soldier. Those who served with him remember him with pride. If you would like to write a story about that summer and how he touched you, I would like to post it to his post in my blog.