Robert F Foley
Robert was born in Newton, Massachusetts, on the 30th of May, 1941. He was athletic in high school, playing basketball, and received some scholarship opportunities before graduating. Robert wasn't originally interested in attending West Point Military Academy until he received a call to visit and after his visit, he was set on attending. He did and he graduated from the Academy in 1963, when he also was commissioned as an infantry officer. By the time he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, he was a Captain commanding Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and it was his actions on the 5th of November, 1966, that would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:
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.
Robert received the Medal of Honor from President Johnson on the 1st of May, 1968 in a ceremony at the White House. He stood alongside John F Baker Jr, who was covered on the last episode, for actions in the same battle. Comically, Robert was 6' 7” and John was 5' 2” and President Johnson had commented saying that the two of them reminded him of Mutt and Jeff, a popular comic that highlighted the two characters with contrasting heights.
Robert went on to serve in several command positions and was the Chief of Staff for the 7th Infantry Division. He also returned to the US Military Academy in the position of Assistant Division Commander for the 2nd Infantry Division, Commandant of Cadets. Robert ended his career in the Army after thirty-seven years as the Commanding General of the Fifth US Army in Fort Sam Houston, Texas as a Lieutenant General in 2000. He went on to serve as the President of the Marion Military Institute, a position he held until 2004. Robert Franklin Foley, at the time of writing this, is 78 years old and has said that he continues to wear the Medal in remembrance of those he served with in Vietnam and especially for those seventeen killed in action and twenty-seven wounded on that fateful day in November 1966.
