Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II Joe Foss became the Marine Corps “Ace of Aces,” credited with shooting down TWENTY-SIX enemy aircraft. He was one of only three Medal of Honor recipients to be featured on the cover of “Life” magazine. After his war service, Joe Foss joined the South Dakota National Guard after earning the Medal of Honor on active duty. He retired as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General. He was subsequently elected to the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 1948 – 1953, then was elected Governor and served from 1955 to 1959. As commissioner of the early American Football League, he was a key figure in the initiation of the SUPER BOWL. He also served for a time as President of the National Rifle Association, and was host of a television documentary.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 14 (MAG-14)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    Oct 09 – Nov 19, 1942 and Jan 15 & 23, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain Joseph Jacob Foss (MCSN: 0-6774), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Executive Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), Marine Air Group FOURTEEN (MAG-14), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period 9 October 1942 to 23 January 1943. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Captain Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added three more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January 1943, Captain Foss led his eight F-4F Marine planes and four Army P-38’s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that four Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 14 (MAG-14)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    October 13 – 20, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Joseph Jacob Foss (MCSN: 0-6774), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE (VMF-121), in the Solomon Islands Area. During the period 13 October to 20 October 1942, inclusive, Captain Foss shot down six enemy Aero fighters and one enemy bomber in aerial combat. His constant aggressiveness, skill and leadership during these engagements were worthy of the highest traditions of the naval service.