Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Marine, and former deputy commandant for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Col. Wesley L. Fox died Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Blacksburg, Virginia. He was 86.
Fox grew up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and enlisted with the U.S. Marines in 1950 at the start of the Korean War. Months later, he was deployed to Korea as a rifleman and began a 43-year career in the military. He spent the first 16 years as a noncommissioned officer, and in addition to his combat assignments, he worked as a drill instructor, a recruiter, and a military police officer. In 1966, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
On Feb. 22, 1969, while serving as the commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division in A Shau Valley, Vietnam, Fox’s unit was attacked. Despite injury, Fox led his men as they advanced through heavy fire. They eventually forced the North Vietnamese troops to retreat. Wounded again in a final assault, Fox continued to refuse medical attention and instead ensured that other wounded Marines were tended to and evacuated.
42 comments
I served under Wesley Fox’s command, Alpha 1/9, A-Co, 3rd Platoon during Operation Dewey Canyon, 1969 when he was considered for the MOH award for the battle on 22 February. We met once again sometime early 90’s when the MOH recipients were holding one of their events here in Phoenix AZ. Much more valuable now is the picture I have with him and I shacking hands that day while he wearing his MOH decoration. He also wrote and signed a brief personal statement in my book that reveals much on ‘Op Dewey Canyon’, which was published as ‘Don’t Tell America’, and as I understand is a now a collectors item. As always, I will remain proud to have served under a honorable, recognized Marine leader and hero. Semper Fi
Rest in peace Marine! Prayers.
He went through hell and survived to a ripe old age
I knew the Colonel when he was making liaison visits and coordinating with his command. He visited the Marine Corps Representative Office at the U. S. Army Infantry School Ft Benning GA where I was the NCOIC. Semper Fi Sir. A truly remarkable Marine.
Rest in Peace, Sir. Your new duty station is no doubt a busy one. Semper Fi, Col.
Had the honor of serving under GySgt Wesley at NAS Jax in 1964. Truly, a Marine’s Marine. RIP and Semper Fi.
Thank you for your service, Col. Fox. Semper Fi and RIP.
I am very honored to say , I have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with this outstanding, Marine, and Gentleman. On a couple of occasions. A true hero of mine. As a founding member of, Run to the Wall, Ride for freedom. Col Fox , was always scheduled to be somewhere else during our Memorial day service. So he would tell me, do us proud. I had hoped one day event’s would allow him to be our guest speaker. But his tour has ended here. Semper Fi sir. We will honor this hero in May of 2018 before heading to the Vietnam memorial.
I meet Col Fox at a 1st Marine Division Reunion some years ago. I had of course knew of him and read his book. He was a great man and Marine. Semper Fi brother.
My book, Marines, Medals and Vietnam, includes the story of Col. Fox and The Marines of A/1/9 and their actions on the day he earned the Medal of Honor.
Col. Fox, When I get there, I hope I can sit at a table near you and Chesty. L/CPL Townsend 189****
Semper Fi, Marine.
Oohrah and you’re right, Gunny. I just always try to remember to never say, “Ex-Marine” like civilians say.
Colonel Harleman, I just wanted to say that besides Col Fox the State of Virginia sure has produced so many great American military men, including Lee, Patton ( VMI), Sam Houston, Stonewall Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, etc. that it is truly amazing.
Bless You Sir! May the Lord look upon you with favor!
SSgt Howerton, Semper Fi to you and your father. But you are never a former Marine. you are still a Marine awaiting further orders.