The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander Joseph Ferrall Foley (NSN: 0-70055), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RODMAN (DD-456) prior to and during the amphibious invasion of Southern France, in August 1944. An experienced and efficient leader, Commander Foley rendered invaluable service in directing the thorough training of his crew and in bringing his ship to a peak of operational efficiency in preparation for the assault. Prior to the initial landings, he led the RODMAN through dangerous and restricted waters close to known enemy minefields and within easy range of hostile shore batteries, delivering concentrated and accurate bombardment fire against all enemy strongpoints in the area before effective counterfire could be returned. Commander Foley was largely responsible for the successful pre-assault bombardments of the RODMAN, thereby contributing materially to the early and effective establishment of the Allied beachheads and to the over-all success of the invasion. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Foley is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)