Wesley L. Fox’s Medal of Honor Citation

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

FIRST LIEUTENANT

WESLEY LEE FOX

MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 22 February 1969, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Captain Fox’s company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Captain Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Captain Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Captain Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized one enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Captain Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Captain Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Captain Fox’s heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Born: 30 Sep. 1931, Herndon, Va…. Served two tours in Korea in addition to his tour in Vietnam… Also served in Force Reconnaissance… Served as a drill instructor and as a platoon sergeant in the 1st Force Reconnaissance Company… Also awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and four Purple Hearts… Reached the rank of first sergeant before receiving his commission… President Richard Nixon awarded him with the Medal of Honor on 2 March 1971… Retired as Colonel in 1993… Passed: 24 November 2017… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery