Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant James Louis Foley (NSN: 0-62592), United States Navy, for heroism as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BOBOLINK (AM-20) when, at about six a.m. on 28 November 1942, the U.S.S. ALCHIBA was torpedoed by an enemy submarine off Guadalcanal Island. As a result of this attack, the ALCHIBA was set afire forward and the ammunition and petroleum products in her forward holds burned furiously. In spite of the fires and the explosions of ammunition within the burning ship, he promptly laid the BOBOLINK alongside the ALCHIBA and kept her in position to assist in the control of fires. He remained in that dangerous position until ordered by the Commanding Officer of the ALCHIBA to get clear when it appeared that the fires were out of control, but returned shortly afterward to give further assistance. By his skillful seamanship, determination, and outstanding courage he gave valuable assistance which contributed to the saving of the ALCHIBA and much of its cargo. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Chatelain (DE-149)

    Action Date:

    April 9, 1944
    Commander in Chief Atlantic: Serial 2788 (August 18, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander James Louis Foley (NSN: 0-62592), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CHATELAIN (DE-149), while conducting offensive operations against an enemy submarine on 9 April 1944. The U.S.S. CHATELAIN was taking part in an extensive search for a previously detected enemy submarine when one of the searching ships established contact and began a series of attacks on the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Foley immediately proceeded to the area of contact and aided the contacting ship in making its highly effective damaging attacks on the enemy. Attack at the first opportunity, the U.S.S. CHATELAIN, in close cooperation with other attacking ships and aircraft immediately took the enemy under gunfire, forcing the crew to abandon ship and completing the U-boat’s destruction. Lieutenant Commander Foley’s aggressiveness, spirit of coordination, and persistency throughout the entire action which resulted in the sinking of an enemy submarine reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.