John R. Fox

John R. Fox was a United States Army officer who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II. Serving with the segregated 92nd Infantry Division in the Italian Campaign, he deliberately called for artillery fire on his own position to halt an enemy advance. His sacrifice is a notable chapter in the history of African Americans in the United States Army.

Early life and education

John Robert Fox was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and later moved to Massachusetts. He pursued higher education at Wilberforce University, a historically black university in Ohio, where he participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. His academic and military training at Wilberforce University prepared him for a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Military service

After receiving his commission in 1940, Fox was assigned to the 366th Infantry Regiment, part of the 92nd Infantry Division. This division, known as the "Buffalo Soldier Division," was composed primarily of African American soldiers led by both white and black officers. During the Italian Campaign, his unit was engaged in difficult fighting in the Apennine Mountains against seasoned Wehrmacht forces.

Medal of Honor action

On December 26, 1944, Fox was serving as a forward observer with the 598th Field Artillery Battalion in the village of Sommocolonia. As elements of the 14th Army launched a major assault during the German Christmas offensive, his position was overrun. To slow the enemy advance and protect allied soldiers, he deliberately directed artillery fire from the American guns onto his own location. His final transmission confirmed the order, stating, "Fire it." The bombardment succeeded in disrupting the attack but resulted in his death. This act was initially recognized with a Distinguished Service Cross.

Legacy and honors

In 1997, a review of African American service during World War II led by the United States Army Center of Military History recommended several soldiers for upgraded awards. Based on this study, President Bill Clinton presented the Medal of Honor to Fox's widow, Arlene, in a ceremony at the White House. His story is featured in exhibits at the National Museum of the United States Army and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. A VA clinic in Boston and a United States Army Reserve center in Waltham are named in his honor.

Personal life

Fox was married to Arlene Marrow of Boston. The couple had a young daughter, Sandra, before his deployment to the European Theater. His remains were initially interred in the American Cemetery at Castelfiorentino before being reinterred in Colebrook Cemetery in Whitman, Massachusetts. His family has participated in numerous memorial events, including those organized by the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:1915 births Category:1944 deaths