Medal of Honor: Joseph Jacob Foss – World War II – Guadalcanal – 1942–1943

Name: Joseph Jacob Foss
Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Unit: Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing
Place: Over Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Entered Service At: South Dakota
Born: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Summary of Action

During the bitter air campaign over Guadalcanal, Captain Joseph J. Foss served as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121 and flew almost daily combat missions against a determined and numerically superior enemy. From 9 October to 19 November 1942, he personally shot down 23 Japanese aircraft, damaging others so severely that their destruction was considered probable.

Beyond his individual victories, Captain Foss repeatedly led escort missions protecting reconnaissance, bombing, photographic aircraft, and surface forces operating in the contested Guadalcanal area. His leadership ensured that vulnerable missions were completed despite constant enemy opposition.

On 15 January 1943, Captain Foss added three more enemy aircraft to his score, bringing his total to 26 confirmed victories, a record of aerial achievement unmatched at that stage of the war. On 25 January, boldly seeking out an approaching enemy force, he led a mixed formation of Marine F4F Wildcats and Army P-38s against far superior numbers. His aggressive interception resulted in four enemy fighters destroyed and forced the Japanese bombers to turn back without releasing a single bomb.

Captain Foss’s exceptional flying skill, fearless leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were decisive in securing air superiority over Guadalcanal and safeguarding critical American positions during one of the most pivotal battles of the Pacific War.

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Medal of Honor Citation

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.