Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Foss, Joseph Jacob
October 7, 2022
1. Foss, Joseph Jacob Marker
Inscription.
Foss, Joseph Jacob. .
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Congressional Medal of Honor toFoss, Joseph Jacob. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Over Guadalcanal, 9 October to 19 November 1942, 15 and 23 January 1943. Entered service at: Sioux Falls South Dakota. Born: 17 April 1915, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. Citation: For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F/4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.
The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Congressional Medal of Honor to Foss, Joseph Jacob
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Over Guadalcanal, 9 October to 19 November 1942, 15 and 23 January 1943. Entered service at: Sioux Falls South Dakota. Born: 17 April 1915, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. Citation: For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F/4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and,
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undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1943.
Location. 43° 33.632′ N, 96° 44.466′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from North Walts Avenue south of West Bailey Street, on the right when traveling south. Located in Veterans' Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1021 W Bailey St, Sioux Falls SD 57104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2022. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 16, 2022.
