Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1945

For action performed on 3 July 1944, in the attack on Hill 131 near Hameau de Haut/Manche department, Basse-Normandie, France.
Citation unavailable.

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division, General Orders No. 75 (1945).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from 19 September to 24 September, 1944 at Wyler-Meer, Germany. During an attack, Lieutenant 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 the automatic weapons. When called upon by the enemy to surrender his position, Lieutenant Foley defiantly refused, and continued to hold the hill. For five days, Lieutenant 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 Lieutenant Foley in the attack and subsequently in the conduct of the defense, together with his exemplary leadership, gave much encouragement to his men and played a large part in the stubborn defense of this position against a numerically superior enemy. This accomplishment effectively weakened the enemy in this sector and hastened their eventual withdrawal. Lieutenant Foley rendered a vital and distinguished service in the defense against determined German offensive action aimed at seizing the key terrain south of Nijmegen. His conduct reflects the finest traditions of the United States Army."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army