Jeff For Banks: Memorial Day: Remember 1st Lt. John Fox

The biting December air, thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder and the chilling reality of war, clung to the shattered stones of Sommocolonia. In this small Italian village, nestled precariously in the Apuan Alps, a drama of extraordinary courage and selflessness unfolded on December 26, 1944. At the heart of this pivotal moment stood First Lieutenant John Robert Fox, a forward observer attached with the 598th Field Artillery Battalion of the 92nd Infantry Division – the famed Buffalo Soldiers. His actions that day, a testament to unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice, would echo through history, culminating in a posthumous Medal of Honor.

The 92nd Infantry Division, a segregated unit of African American soldiers, faced not only the formidable German forces but also the insidious prejudice prevalent from our own nation. Despite these dual battles, Lieutenant Fox and his battalion and the rest of the 92nd Infantry Division fought with remarkable valor and determination throughout the Italian Campaign. Their advance through treacherous terrain and against entrenched enemy positions was a testament to their resilience and commitment to duty.

Lieutenant Fox, born in Cincinnati and a graduate of Wilberforce University in Ohio as a commissioned officer, embodied this spirit. As a forward observer, his role was critical: to position himself strategically, observe enemy activity, and direct artillery fire to support the infantry's advance. On that fateful day in Sommocolonia, Fox found himself on the second floor of a house, providing crucial targeting information as German forces launched a fierce counterattack.

The enemy, intent on reclaiming the village, pressed their assault with relentless intensity. American infantry units, facing overwhelming numbers and withering fire, began to fall back. Lieutenant Fox, with his vantage point, remained steadfast, relaying vital coordinates that allowed Allied artillery to disrupt the German advance and provide cover for the retreating American soldiers.

As the situation grew increasingly bleak, and the enemy closed in on his own position, Lieutenant Fox made a decision that would forever etch his name in the annals of heroism. Recognizing the imminent danger to his comrades and the strategic importance of delaying the German advance, he issued a chillingly courageous order. Speaking over the radio to the artillery battery, he instructed them to direct their fire directly onto his own location, saying "Fire It! There's more of them than there are of us. Give them hell!" He knew what he was doing. He ordered artillery to fire directly at him.

The voice on the other end of the line, undoubtedly filled with disbelief and horror, questioned the order. But Fox, with unwavering resolve, confirmed his request. He understood that his sacrifice, though tragic, was the only way to effectively halt the enemy's momentum and allow his fellow soldiers to withdraw and regroup.

The ensuing artillery barrage rained down on the village, engulfing Lieutenant Fox's position. The devastating firestorm achieved its intended purpose. The German attack was blunted, the enemy forces were forced to withdraw, and the remaining American troops were able to escape the immediate threat.

In the aftermath of the battle, when the smoke cleared and the village fell silent, the grim reality of Lieutenant Fox's sacrifice became apparent. His body was found amidst the rubble, a stark testament to his extraordinary act of courage.

For decades, the full measure of Lieutenant Fox's heroism remained largely unrecognized. The racial prejudices of the time cast a long shadow, obscuring the valor and achievements of many African American soldiers who served with distinction in World War II. However, the stories of their bravery persisted, passed down through generations and meticulously researched by historians and advocates.

In the 1990s, a renewed effort to acknowledge the overlooked heroism of African American soldiers of World War II gained momentum. A thorough review of records and eyewitness accounts brought Lieutenant Fox's selfless act to the forefront. Finally, on January 12, 1997, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant John Robert Fox.

The citation for his Medal of Honor eloquently captures the magnitude of his sacrifice: "First Lieutenant John R. Fox distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism at the risk of his own life on 26 December 1944, inthe vicinity of Sommocolonia, Italy. During a German counterattack, Lieutenant Fox was serving as a forward observer. As the Germans advanced, Lieutenant Fox directed defensive artillery fire. Although the advancing enemy infantry and artillery shells came within 50 yards of his position, Lieutenant Fox continued to direct fire on the enemy. While doing so, he was wounded. Refusing to be evacuated, Lieutenant Fox continued to direct artillery fire on the advancing enemy. When it became apparent that the enemy had overrun his position, Lieutenant Fox called for artillery fire on his own location in a final act of self-sacrifice to save the lives of his comrades and to slow the enemy advance. First Lieutenant Fox's heroic actions contributed significantly to the ultimate defeat of the enemy."

The story of John Robert Fox is more than just a tale of battlefield bravery. It is a powerful reminder of the courage and patriotism displayed by African American soldiers who fought valiantly for a nation that often denied them their basic rights. His selfless act in Sommocolonia stands as a profound testament to the human capacity for sacrifice and the enduring American spirit to defeat despots. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of courage, duty, and ultimate sacrifice will forever inspire generations to come. His name is now rightfully etched among the pantheon of American heroes, a shining example of valor that transcends race and speaks to the highest ideals of service and selflessness.

And a personal connection: I trained at Fort Devens in Massachusetts, nearly 50 years after Lt. Fox did so.

On this Memorial Day, please remember Lieutenant Fox for his selflessness, bravery, and heroism. And remember all those who gave their last full measure of devotion in defense of the ideal that is the United States of America. We owe it to them to continue, however imperfectly, towards that ideal.