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First Name: Robert

Last Name: Foley

Birthplace: Newton, MA, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: West Point, NY
Middle Name: Franklin



Date of Birth: 30 May 1941



Rank: Lieutenant General

Years Served: 1963 - 2000
Robert Franklin Foley

   
Graduate, U.S. Military Academy, Class of 1963

Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

Robert Franklin Foley
Lieutenant General, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Lieutenant General Robert Franklin Foley is a retired U.S. Army officer who served in the Vietnam War. On 5 November 1966, then-Captain Foley led his unit, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, in an assault on a strong enemy position. For his heroic actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Robert Franklin Foley was born on 30 May 1941 in Newton, MA. He is a 1963 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry.

Medal of Honor

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.

Captain Robert F. Foley was presented with his Medal of Honor in a ceremony in Washington, DC along with Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr., who earned the Medal of Honor in the same battle.

Military Career

Foley has held numerous command and staff positions throughout 37 years of active service. He has a Master of Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

His command positions include: company commander with the 25th Inf. Div. in Vietnam and battalion and brigade command with the 3rd Inf. Div. in Germany. He served as Chief of Staff for the 7th Inf. Div (Light), Fort Ord, CA; Executive Officer to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Inf. Div., Korea; Commandant of Cadets, US Military Academy, West Point, NY; Deputy Commanding General, Second US Army, Ft. Gillem, GA; Commanding General, US Army Military District of Washington; and Commanding General, Fifth US Army, Ft. Sam Houston, TX. Foley retired from the Army as a Lieutenant General.

After his retirement, he served as President of Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marion, AL, until his resignation at the end of Academic Year 2003-2004. During his tenure at MMI, the school saw tremendous growth and recognition in Alabama, and across the United States. On 1 October 2005 General Foley became the eighth Director of Army Emergency Relief.

Medals, Awards, Badges & Tabs

Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Medal (2 Awards)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (6 Awards)
Bronze Star Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (5 Awards)
National Defense Service Medal with 1 Service Star
Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Service Stars
Army Service Ribbon
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal with Palm
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Valorous Unit Award
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Vietnam Civil Actions Medal

Combat Infantryman's Badge
Parachutist Badge
Ranger Tab



Honoree ID: 947   Created by: MHOH

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