Medal of Honor: James W. Fous - Vietnam War - May 14, 1968

Name: James W. Fous
Rank: Private First Class
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 14, 1968
Location: Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 14 May 1968, Private First Class James W. Fous displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a rifleman with Company E during combat operations in Vietnam.

His unit had established a nighttime defensive perimeter during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Kien Hoa Province.

Fous and three fellow soldiers occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a nearby woodline.

As the men maintained watch in the darkness, Fous suddenly detected three Viet Cong soldiers maneuvering toward their position.

Immediately alerting the others, he opened fire and accurately engaged the enemy.

Two of the attackers were killed.

The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape into the heavy vegetation — but not before throwing a hand grenade directly into the American position.

Realizing the deadly danger to the men around him, Fous reacted instantly.

Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own life, he shouted a warning to his comrades and threw himself onto the grenade.

The explosion killed him instantly but shielded the other three soldiers from the blast.

Through his selfless sacrifice, Pfc. Fous saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and reflected the highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

FOUS, JAMES W.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E. Pfc. Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. Pfc. Fous, together with 3 other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a woodline. Pfc. Fous detected 3 Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing 2 of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into Pfc. Fous’ position. Without hesitation, Pfc. Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. Pfc. Fous’ extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army