CPT Robert Foley (A/2-27 IN, 25th ID) Vietnam War 05NOV1966

05NOV1966: Commanding Alpha Company, 2-27IN, CPT Robert Foley and his men were tasked with moving to the aid of a surrounded American unit to pull them to safety. The unit was involved in Operation Attleboro, a search and destroy mission that came under heavy contact all across their positions early in the mission. With the company commander killed and taking heavy casualties, Foley and his men were called upon to reinforce.

Moving through friendly lines to reach the cut off unit, Foley and his men were barely 40m into the patrol when they came under intense enemy fire. With the incredibly dense jungle canopy, it was hard to see very far in any direction which gave the dug in enemy an advantage. Quickly, both of Foley's radio operators were wounded. He moved both through the hail of gunfire back to a covered area to have their wounds treated.

Moving back forward to assess the situation, Foley watched as one of his machine gunners was hit and fell. Now angered that his men were being killed and he was at risk of being pinned down, the company commander grabbed the machine gun and assaulted forward. Having linked as much ammunition as he could together, Foley rushed towards multiple enemy positions and fired inside at point blank range. Continuing the assault until three bunkers were cleared, Foley looked back to see his men pressing forward with the attack.

Shortly, Foley and his men would break through the enemy lines and reach the stranded Americans. Due in large part to his assaulting through the enemy ambush, Foley's unit was able to rescue the Americans and bring them back to base.

For his brave and selfless act, CPT Robert Foley was awarded the Medal of Honor. He would continue to serve a total of 37 years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant General and retiring in 2000.