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R E S T R I C T E D
HEADQUARTERS XVIII CORPS (AIRBORNE)
APO 2109, United States Army
CITATION FOR THE
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
JOHN P. FOLEY, O-1287332, First
Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations against an armed enemy, from 19
September to 24 September 1944, at Wyler-Mear, Germany. During an
attack, Lt. FOLEY moved with his attacking groups, coordinating their
movement and directing their fire with such complete disregard to enemy fire
that he imbued his men with much courage and daring. He controlled the
action of his three platoons with assurance, leading the attack and driving
the enemy from the hill. He reorganized his company and staved off six
vicious attacks by a determined enemy while the company position was raked
with artillery and automatic fire. The second day, enemy infiltration
had encircled his position and cut off all communication and supply routes
to battalion. A redistribution of ammunition revealed only five rounds
per rifle and none for automatic weapons. When called upon by the
enemy to surrender his position., Lt. FOLEY defiantly refused, and continued
to hold the hill. For five days, Lt. FOLEY defended his position under
ceaseless artillery and mortar bombardment, repelling attacks by vastly
superior forces and countering aggressive enemy patrol action, both day and
night. The tireless, determined efforts of Lt. FOLEY in the attack and
subsequently in the conduct of his exemplary leadership, gave much
encouragement to his men and played a large part in the stubborn defense of
his position against a numerically superior enemy. This accomplishment
effectively weakened the enemy in this sector and hastened their eventual
withdrawal. Lt. FOLEY rendered a vital and distinguished service in
the defense against German offensive action aimed at seizing the key terrain
south of Nijmegen. His conduct reflects the finest traditions of the
United States Army. Enter military service from Vineland, New Jersey.
M . B. RIDGWAY
Major
General, U.S. Army
Commanding
R E S T R I C T E D
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