Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Major Joseph R. Foust (Retired)
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
1. Major Joseph R. Foust (Retired) Marker
The "BFIST" significantly changed the modern battlefield. For the first time in warfare, artillerymen were able to produce "precision fires" quickly and routinely. Plus, it provided excellent protection and the speed to keep up with the combat units.
Major Joseph R. Foust (Retired)
Joseph R. Foust earned his commission in the Field Artillery in December 2001, and joined the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. He participated in four major battles: The Escarpment, Karbala Gap, Euphrates Bridge Crossing and the capture of Saddam International Airport. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device.
Foust and other forward observers in the 3rd Infantry Division were the first to use an artillery variant of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in combat. The M7 "BFIST" (Bradley Fire Support Team) exchanged the TOW Missile capability with a range finding laser and added a computer to launch artillery strikes digitally.
In 2021, The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center's (USAHEC) Bradley Fighting Vehicle arrived at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD) in need of paint restoration.
this page online
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • War, 2nd Iraq. A significant historical month for this entry is December 2001.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 40° 12.534′ N, 77° 9.624′ W. Marker was near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It was in Middlesex Township. It could be reached from Soldiers Drive south of Army Heritage Drive, in the median. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: Soldiers Dr, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It was also in the American
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
2. Major Joseph R. Foust (Retired) Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: They Called Them "Hellcats" (here, next to this marker); General Matthew Bunker Ridgway (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flexibility, Firepower and Mobility (about 600 feet away); Gold Beach (about 600 feet away); Operating for Freedom (about 600 feet away); Operation Overlord (about 600 feet away); Omaha Beach (about 600 feet away); Ranger and Airborne Operations (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlisle.
Other markers no longer nearby. Flexibility, Firepower, and Mobility (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Oscar Goes To War (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing); The Army Introduces a Heavyweight: The 3-Inch Antitank Gun M5/M6 (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); Private First Class Willard Dominick (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Sergeant First Class Randall D. Shughart (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The vehicle has been moved to a new location on the Army Heritage Trail, but the wayside was not with it.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. In July 2026, an M10 Tank Destroyer was in this location with the wayside "They Called them "Hellcats".
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. The marker was not noticed in 2026; perhaps it is somewhere else on the grounds. • Can you help?
