Medal of Honor: Joseph J. Foss – World War II (Guadalcanal) – October 9 to November 19, 1942; January 15 & 23, 1943

Name: Joseph Jacob Foss
Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Place & Dates: Over Guadalcanal — October 9 to November 19, 1942; January 15 and 23, 1943
Entered Service At: South Dakota
Born: April 17, 1915 – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Departed: January 1, 2003
Accredited to: South Dakota

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Summary of Action

In the brutal early months of the Guadalcanal Campaign, Captain Joseph J. Foss became the relentless guardian of Henderson Field. Flying his rugged F4F Wildcat against numerically superior Japanese Zero fighters, Foss fought nearly every day — often twice in the same afternoon — intercepting bombers, hunting enemy formations, and leading escort missions deep into hostile airspace.

Between October 9 and November 19, 1942, Foss shot down 23 enemy aircraft, frequently diving alone into waves of Japanese fighters that outnumbered his squadron two or three to one. His aggressive style, sharp instincts, and fearless tactics made him the scourge of the Japanese air arm. He protected bombers, defended the Marines on the ground, and challenged every threat sent toward Guadalcanal.

On January 15, 1943, he added three more kills to his tally. Then, on January 23, Foss led a mixed squadron of Marine F4Fs and Army P-38s against a large incoming Japanese strike force. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he attacked head-on, downing four enemy aircraft and turning back the entire attack before a single bomb could fall on American positions.

Captain Joseph J. Foss became the leading Marine Corps ace of World War II. His unmatched skill, ferocity, and leadership in the air helped secure the skies over Guadalcanal and protect the fragile foothold that changed the course of the Pacific War.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Entered service at: South Dakota.

For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes 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 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38’s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 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.