The service given by Diokles to the defence of his country was exceptional; as well as fighting off two attacks - the first by Cretans and the second (although this is not stated explicitly) connected to the aggression of king Philippos in the southern Aegean - he also initiated a decree to collect contributions towards the defence of Kos ( IG_12.4.1.75 ). For a description of Diokles' achievements, see A.Chaniotis in "Sécurité Collective Et Ordre Public Dans Les Sociétés Anciennes", pp.128-130 ( Google Books ). In addition to the honours in this decree, another inscription shows that Diokles was honoured with a statue 'on account of his virtue and goodwill' ( SEG_54.746 - Greek text ).
[A] It was resolved by the people of Halasarna, as proposed by the neopoiai Nikarchos son of Charmippos, Timasikles son of Herakleitos and Nossylos son of Polymnastos: since Diokles son of Leodamas, acting in accordance with the excellent example set by his ancestors, has continually shown every zeal and foresight on behalf of the people of Halasarna; and during the wars, in order to protect the fort and the inhabitants of the countryside, he gave the best advice and submitted himself to every danger on behalf of the people; for at the time during the Cretan war, when it was reported that there was a plan to attack the place, he went there with a large force, and with the men assigned for its defence he made an inspection, and he summoned the local inhabitants to come together in the fort and guard it until it happened that the enemy desisted from their attack; and during the present war, when large naval and land forces were being assembled at Astypalaia, he brought up weapons and catapult missiles; and in accordance with the decree he appointed as toparchs those who were most capable of directing the defence, and assigned to them an adequate force of men who also kept guard by day . . . and he himself remained there to [defend the place] . . . anticipating [the attack of the enemy and the greatness] of the [peril] . . .
[B] . . . [the most suitable] part of the fort; and [when the attack occurred], he followed and held back the enemy under the fort; he sent a message to Nikostratos son of Nikostratos, asking him, after [disembarking] the light-armed troops who had come out with him, to join forces with him; when due to his foresight Nikostratos honourably came to his assistance, [the result was] that the place was not captured and the attackers [left] without doing any harm to the territory; and [publicly he does what is beneficial for everyone], and continually [provides] resources to the priests for the celebration of sacred rites and the adornment of the gods; and privately he assists those of the people [whom he meets], and takes care that while [staying in] the official residence they do not come to any harm or lack in anything that is due, as far as he is able; [therefore so that the people] of Halasarna may be seen give a just reward to those who [act honourably] towards them, and so that Diokles may be encouraged by the honour to be yet more eager in [providing] assistance to the people, it is resolved to praise [Diokles] son of [Leodam]as on account of his virtue and his goodwill towards the citizens and people of Halasarna; and to crown him with a golden crown of 20 Alexandrian gold pieces; and the [neopoiai shall arrange] for this decree to be inscribed on a stone stele and shall place it in the most prominent [position in the temple] of Apollo.
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