Robert F. Foley
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Robert F. Foley | |
|---|---|
| Born May 30, 1941 | |
  Robert F. Foley |
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| Place of birth | Newton, Massachusetts |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1963 - 2000 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | CG 5th US Army |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Robert F. Foley (born May 30, 1941) was a United States Army Captain in the Vietnam War. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading his company,Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in an assault on a strong enemy position on November 5, 1966. He was awarded the Medal of Honor along with Sgt John F. Baker, Jr., who earned his own medal in the same battle. Foley retired from the Army as a Lieutenant General.
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[edit] Biography
Foley is a 1963 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he later served as Commandant of Cadets.
After his retirement, he was the President of Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marion, Alabama. until his resignation at the end of Academic Year 2003-2004. During his tenure at MMI, the 7th and 8th grades were discontinued, but the school saw tremendous growth and recognition in Alabama, and across the United States.
Foley is currently the Director of Army Emergency Relief.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
Captain Foley's Medal of Honor Citation read as follows:
- For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well concealed, defensive positions, and the company's leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Capt. Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying one platoon on the flank, he led the other two platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again one of his machine-gun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine-gun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Capt. Foley continued to advance firing the machine-gun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy's fanatical defense, Capt. Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Capt. Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army
[edit] See also
[edit] References
Robert F. Foley, Medal of Honor recipient. Vietnam War (A-L) (July 16, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-14.
