Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Wesley Lee Fox

Details
  • Rank: Captain (rank at time of action: First Lieutenant)
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines,
    3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 22, 1969
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: A Shau Valley, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox's company came under intense fire from a large well-concealed enemy force. Capt. 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 Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. 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, Capt. 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, Capt. 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. Capt. Fox's heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Leesburg, Loudoun County, Virginia
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 2, 1971

    The White House (East Ballroom), presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon

  • Born: September 30, 1931, Herndon, Fairfax County, VA, United States
  • Died: November 24, 2017, Blacksburg, VA, United States
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, United States
  • Location of Medal: National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA
 
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