
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
FOX, WESLEY L.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S.
Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and
date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 22 February 1969. Entered service
at: Leesburg, Va. Born: 30 September 1931, Herndon, Va.
Citation:
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.
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