The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Mark Irby Fox, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a Pilot of an F/A 18 aircraft in Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHTY-ONE embarked in U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-60) on 18 January 1991. As wingman in the first Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN daytime strike of Operation DESERT STORM, Lieutenant Commander Fox was assigned to attack a critical airfield in Western Iraq. Within minutes of the target, the strike group was alerted to enemy aircraft approaching nose on at a relative closure rate of 1,200 knots. Quickly switching to the air to air mode, Lieutenant Commander Fox calmly achieved radar lock, identified the bogies as hostile, and launched an AIM 7M SPARROW Missile in optimum firing parameters, destroying a MiG-21 FISHBED. Promptly switching back to the air to ground mode, he acquired his target and delivered four 2,000 pound bombs directly on target, destroying an airfield hangar complex. His courageous airmanship and unwavering resoluteness in the face of the enemy were an inspiration to those serving with him. By his daring actions, aggressive leadership, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Lieutenant Commander Fox reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Mark Irby Fox, United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F/A-18C Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing TWO onboard U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CV 64) deployed with Commander, United States FIFTH Fleet in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 21 March 2003. Captain Fox launched as the Mission Commander for a 68-plane strike to downtown Baghdad. This was the first coalition strike package of the operation. The 91 targets assigned to this strike package included leadership, command and control, air defense and offensive attack assets. Captain Fox’s flight was the first Navy division to enter the heavy defenses of Baghdad, targeting an A1 Samoud missile storage area northwest of the city. Evasive action was required to avoid a heavy barrage of anti-aircraft artillery fire that detonated directly beneath his aircraft, as he neared the weapon release point. Each aircraft in the division released their Joint Standoff Weapons, which were among the first weapons to be released by coalition aircraft during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The destruction of these key targets greatly reduced the striking power of the Iraqi regime and degraded their integrated air defense capabilities, paving the way for follow-own strike packages. By his superb airmanship, inspiring courage, and loyal devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Captain Fox reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Fox is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Mark Irby Fox, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Rear Admiral Mark Irby Fox, United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
-
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
July 2003 – October 2006
Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Mark Irby Fox, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Director, White House Military Office, from July 2003 to December 2004, and Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, White House Military Office, from December 2004 to October 2006. Responsible for oversight of Department of Defense resources dedicated to military support of President, Vice President, First Family, and senior White House staff, his leadership of 2,300 personnel enabled the White House Military Office to effectively function at a historically high operating level. He orchestrated a vast array of personnel and assets involved in Presidential support operations, with a planning and operational continuum spanning from day-to-day recurring requirements to the most challenging national contingency situations. His ability to proactively manage incredibly complex operations ranged from G8 economic summits in the United States, Scotland and Russia; the state funeral of President Reagan; the 2005 Presidential Inauguration; closely-held preparations for and execution of historic Presidential trips to Iraq and Afghanistan; and the considerable number of other domestic and overseas meetings, conferences, and state visits incumbent upon the President. Under his stewardship, the White House Military Office was a focal point for the continual improvement of plans and programs designed to ensure uninterrupted functioning of the Presidency and the federal government. He expertly anticipated and planned for the needs of future Presidents, while patiently and firmly ensuring that present needs remained the priority. The distinctive accomplishments of Admiral Fox reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.