FOLEY, ROBERT F.

RANK AND ORGANIZATION: Captain, U. S. Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
BORN: 30 May 1941, Newton, Massachusetts.
ENTERED SERVICE AT: Newton Massachusetts.
PLACE AND DATE: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966.

CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Captain 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. Captain Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of most intense action to direct the companies efforts. Deploying one platoon on the flank, he led the other two platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face on intense fire. During this action both radio operators 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 one 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 firs he ordered his assistant to take cover and alone, Captain 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, Captain 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. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly destroyed three such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy firs 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. Captain Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United States Army.