The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Sylvester Robert Foley, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander United States SEVENTH Fleet from May 1978 to February 1980. Maintaining his forces at the highest possible levels of readiness, Vice Admiral Foley provided flexible and far-sighted direction during a period of unique challenge and crisis in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. His rapid and effective response to emergent national contingency tasking resulted in singularly successful efforts in support of national policy. As a direct result of Vice Admiral Foley’s wisdom, insight, resourcefulness, and astute management, a myriad of critical situations were masterfully handled. His skillful implementation of the refugee rescue effort in the South China Sea ensured the rescue of hundreds of Vietnamese refugees, and his strong emphasis on tactical professionalism and combat readiness produced a number of innovative improvements which substantially strengthened fleet fighting capabilities. Vice Admiral Foley also undertook a number of highly successful diplomatic initiatives of great value to the United States. His sustained exemplary performance contributed immeasurably to the success of SEVENTH Fleet, Navy, and national objectives throughout the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Vice Admiral Foley’s facility for resolving tough problems, exceptionally strong leadership, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
U.S.S. Midway (CVA-41)Action Date:
July 31, 1972 – February 9, 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Sylvester Robert Foley, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, U.S.S. MIDWAY (CVA-41), from 31 July 1972 to 9 February 1973, and Commander Task Group 77.3 from 28 November 1972 to 9 February 1973, during intensive combat operations against the enemy. Displaying superior initiative, imagination and perseverance, Captain Foley provided guidance and inspiration to the MIDWAY/CVW-5 team that resulted in distinguished and highly effective combat results across the complete spectrum of aerial warfare operations. By his sound advice and judgment as a task group commander, Captain Foley ensured flawless tactical operations during critical phases of politico-military negotiations. Alert to the needs of each member of his crew, he led by example, thereby contributing to a superior state of morale throughout his ship. Captain Foley’s enlightened leadership ability, resourcefulness, sense of responsibility, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Sylvester Robert Foley, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from May 1982 through August 1985. Admiral Foley served with conspicuous success and singular dedication during a career which spanned the spectrum from sustained combat leadership in Southeast Asia during wartime to policy-making at the highest Navy, joint service, and interagency levels in Washington. Under his command, the Fleet maintained the highest levels of combat readiness in four decades, while sustaining an operating tempo equivalent to that expected in war. Admiral Foley commanded the Pacific Fleet during a period of great change in the region, including dramatic growth in the size and capabilities of the Soviet Navy in the Pacific, profound instability in Southeast and Southwest Asia, and the fashioning of new bilateral political relationships in East Asia. His leadership was instrumental in enhancing the readiness of the Fleet during these turbulent times, wisely balancing operational commitments driven by policy objective imperatives with material support requirements and morale considerations. Admiral Foley was brilliantly effective in establishing especially close and effective ties with his Japanese and Korean counterparts, contributing in important ways to strengthened mutual defense in Northeast Asia through allied interoperability. By his distinguished service, innovative initiative, and unflagging devotion to duty, Admiral Foley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Sylvester Robert Foley, Jr., United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) from March 1980 to May 1982. Vice Admiral Foley contributed directly to the development of the national military strategy of the United States and the shaping of the United States military force structure. As the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations on matters under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Vice Admiral Foley provided the sound judgment and counsel required for major policy determinations and strategic planning decisions of utmost national significance. He consistently advanced Navy and national interests in the formulation of policies involving strategic and general purpose forces, arms control negotiations, international political-military matters, technology transfer, security assistance, and Naval operations. His advice and recommendations concerning a wide range of issues were of inestimable importance to the Chief of Naval Operations. By his exceptional performance, perceptive judgment, and tenacious devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Foley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderRegiment:
Air Wing 11Division:
U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)Action Date:
May 2, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Sylvester Robert Foley, Jr., United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commander of Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) as a pilot of jet aircraft. On 2 May 1969, Commander Foley led a highly successful strike against a heavily defended storage area in Southeast Asia. When his section leader’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire forcing the pilot to eject, Commander Foley disregarded his personal safety to prevent the capture and insure the rescue of the downed aviator. Although under enemy fire, he descended and pinpointed the pilot’s location in a densely wooded area. He ignored a warning to clear the area because of an impending bombing raid, disregarded the approaching darkness and his own critically low aircraft fuel state and remained over the pilot, strafing enemy positions, until he was able to direct the rescue helicopter to a successful pickup. Commander Foley’s superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.