The attack in Libya that claimed four American lives highlighted the role of those who serve their country in the diplomatic corps.

We seldom read about such people as John Christopher Stevens unless such a tragedy occurs as the attack in Benghazi on the U.S. Consulate.

Mr. Stevens and the three other U.S. foreign service officers killed have been highly praised. Ambassador Stevens was fluent in Arabic and used his language skills to build a career in the Middle East where he did the patient work of diplomacy.

After a stint in the Peace Corps teaching English in Morocco, the California native joined the foreign service in 1991, serving in Libya, Syria, Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Colleagues described how he made friends and connections wherever he was posted by venturing out on the street, talking to shopkeepers and a variety of people, taking the pulse of the people, so to speak. He loved the culture of the lands that he served in and built relationships that helped U.S. diplomacy.

He was “one of the best of his generation,” retired State Department official David Welch told the New York Times. Courageous, patient, level-headed, friendly, energetic and professional are some of the qualities attributed to Mr. Stevens by those who knew him through his work.

Ambassador Stevens “worked to turn the rebels into the core of a new, democratic government for Libya,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

President Barack Obama noted: “It’s especially tragic that Chris Stevens died in Benghazi because it is a city that he helped to save.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that he “risked his life to stop a tyrant, then gave his life trying to help build a better Libya. The world needs more Chris Stevenses.”

Mr. Stevens was an outstanding diplomat who served America well. His life and death should increase Americans’ appreciation for others who serve this country in diplomatic posts throughout the globe.

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