Medal of Honor: Robert F. Foley – Vietnam War – November 5, 1966

Name: Robert Franklin Foley
Rank: Captain
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Place and Date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam – 5 November 1966
Entered Service At: Newton, Massachusetts
Born: May 30, 1941 – Newton, Massachusetts
Accredited to: Massachusetts

Summary of Action

When Captain Robert F. Foley’s company was ordered to rescue another besieged unit deep in the Vietnamese jungle, they advanced into a storm of enemy fire from well-concealed positions. The lead elements were pinned down and suffering heavy losses — until Foley charged into the heart of the fight.

Amid relentless gunfire and explosions, Foley rallied his men forward, personally directing their attacks and evacuating the wounded. When both his radio operators fell beside him, he dragged them to safety under fire before returning to the front. When one of his machine gun crews went down, Foley seized the gun himself and charged ahead, firing as he shouted orders to his troops.

Wounded by grenade fragments but refusing evacuation, Foley continued to lead. He single-handedly destroyed three enemy gun emplacements and pushed the assault through intense fire until his company broke the enemy’s defenses and completed their mission.

Captain Foley’s valor, leadership, and refusal to yield inspired his soldiers to fight on and win against overwhelming odds.

Medal of Honor Citation

FOLEY, ROBERT F.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966.
Entered service at: Newton, Mass.
Born: 30 May 1941, Newton, Mass.

Citation:
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 1 platoon on the flank, he led the other 2 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 1 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 3 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.