"For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as
Executive Officer of a Marine Fighting Squadron, at Guadalcanal,
Solomon Islands. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from
October 9 to November 19, 1942, Captain Foss personally shot down 23
Japanese aircraft and damaged others so severely that their destruction
was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully
led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering
reconnaissance, bombing and photographic planes as well as surface
craft. On January 15, 1943, he added three more enemy aircraft to his
already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement
unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force
on January 25, Captain Foss led his eight F4F Marine planes and four
Army P-38s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers,
intercepted and struck with such force that four Japanese fighters were
shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single
bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership and indomitable
fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic
American positions on Guadalcanal."
May you be at peace,
Brian
Patch of Foss' squadron drawn by Walt Disney Studios.
Foss on the cover of TIME magazine.
Book written by Ross and Simmons
Book written by Foss and Brennan
Book written by Foss and his wife
Joe Foss High School also in Sioux Falls
Joe Foss Shooting Complex in Buckeye, Arizona
No comments:
Post a Comment