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Foley, Joseph Ferrall

Date of death:
1995 (Norfolk/Virginia, United States)
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Rodman (DD-456), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
October 14th, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Neptune
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. RODMAN (DD-456), during the amphibious assault on Normandy, France, 6 June 1944, and the bombardment of Cherbourg, France, 25 June 1944. Maneuvering through heavily mined waters and under intense and accurate gunfire from enemy shore batteries, Commander Foley directed his ship in delivering devastating fire against enemy fortifications and gun emplacements and in screening heavy ships from enemy surface forces and submarines. His leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 0749
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Commander
Unit:
U.S.S. Rodman (DD-456), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:
September 26th, 1946
Awarded for:
Operation Dragoon
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
"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".)"

Commander 8th Fleet: Serial 257 ("V" device")

Sources