MOH Recipient and Former Deputy Commandant of VTCC, Col Wesley L. Fox, Passes Away.

By jayjohnson09@jjohnsonVATech Dec 2, 2017, 9:18pm EST

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. - Medal of Honor Citation for 1st Lieutenant Wesley L. Fox

We here at Gobbler Country are primarily focused on the athletic efforts of the Virginia Tech Hokies. From time to time there are events and individuals outside of sports that demand recognition from the Hokie faithful. One such individual is Colonel Wesley L. Fox, USMC Retired.

Col Fox was born in Herndon, VA on September 30, 1931, and spent his years as a young man working the family farm before joining the United State Marine Corps in 1950. He served with honor as a rifleman in the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his efforts. After earning his commission he was sent to Vietnam where he served as the company commander of Company A, 1^st Battalion, 9^th Marines. Then 1^st Lieutenant Fox’s company suffered a 75% casualty rate during the USMC’s push through the A Shau Valley during Operation Dewey Canyon, which was the Marine’s last major offensive effort of the conflict. Col Wesley’s actions during the engagement with the enemy earned him the Medal of Honor.

Col Fox retired in 1993 at the age of 62, but his time with the military was not over. This is where Virginia Tech comes into play. From 1993 through 2001 Col Fox continued his service as the Deputy Commandant of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Even after his time as the Deputy Commandant Col Fox remained a fixture with the VTCC, continuing his mentorship of young cadets. In 2011 the Virginia Tech Alumni Association awarded Col Fox a lifetime honorary membership.

After his time with VTCC Col Wesley authored two books. The first was written in 2002, Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps (Memories of War). His next book remains required reading for all first-year cadets – Six Essential Elements of Leadership: Marine Corps Wisdom from a Medal of Honor Recipient.

Colonel Wesley L. Fox’s watch ended on Friday, November 24, 2017, in Blacksburg, Virginia.

We here at Gobbler Country wish to extend our warmest regards to the loved ones that survived Col Fox. We would also like to extend our extreme gratitude for Col Fox’s service to our nation and Virginia Tech.

Ut Prosim.

Semper Fi, Colonel.

Read more about the life of Colonel Wesley L. Fox, USMC Retired.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Virginia Tech News In Memoriam

Washington Post Obituary

MOH Recipient and Former Deputy Commandant of VTCC, Col Wesley L. Fox, Passes Away.

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