Medal of Honor: Wesley L. Fox – U.S. Marine Corps – Vietnam War

Name: Wesley L. Fox
Rank: Captain (then First Lieutenant)
Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division
Place: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Leesburg, Virginia
Born: 30 September 1931, Herndon, Virginia

Summary of Action

While operating in the northern A Shau Valley, Capt. Wesley L. Fox’s company came under intense fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. Moving forward to assess the situation and coordinate with his platoon leaders, he quickly devised a plan of action.

As his leaders moved out to execute it, the enemy launched a fierce attack. Capt. Fox was wounded, and every member of his command group except the executive officer was also hit. Despite his wounds, he maintained command and continued directing the fight.

Advancing through heavy fire, he personally neutralized an enemy position and ordered a direct assault on hostile emplacements. Moving through the fire-swept terrain, he coordinated air support while rallying and repositioning his Marines.

When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company under fire. He directed his men in a determined assault, hurling grenades and pressing the enemy until they were driven into retreat.

Wounded again during the final assault, he refused medical attention. Instead, he established a defensive perimeter and supervised the evacuation of casualties.

His courage, leadership, and refusal to yield inspired his Marines to destroy a major bunker complex and overcome determined enemy resistance.

Medal of Honor Citation

FOX, WESLEY L.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as commanding officer of Company A, in action against the enemy in the northern A Shau Valley. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fox’s company came under intense fire from a large well concealed enemy force. Capt. Fox maneuvered to a position from which he could assess the situation and confer with his platoon leaders. As they departed to execute the plan he had devised, the enemy attacked and Capt. Fox was wounded along with all of the other members of the command group, except the executive officer. Capt. Fox continued to direct the activity of his company. Advancing through heavy enemy fire, he personally neutralized 1 enemy position and calmly ordered an assault against the hostile emplacements. He then moved through the hazardous area coordinating aircraft support with the activities of his men. When his executive officer was mortally wounded, Capt. Fox reorganized the company and directed the fire of his men as they hurled grenades against the enemy and drove the hostile forces into retreat. Wounded again in the final assault, Capt. Fox refused medical attention, established a defensive posture, and supervised the preparation of casualties for medical evacuation. His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his marines to such aggressive action that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex. Capt. Fox’s heroic actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and uphold the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.