James W. Fous

Branch

U.S. Army

Era

Vietnam War

Home state

Nebraska

Action

Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam

The citation

Official citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E. Private First Class Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. Private First Class Fous, together with 3 other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a woodline. Private First Class Fous detected 3 Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing 2 of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into Private First Class Fous' position. Without hesitation, Private First Class Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the 3 men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. Private First Class Fous' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Sources

• U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
• Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.