"For heroic achievement in connection with operations against
the enemy in the republic of Vietnam while serving as Executive Officer of
Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division. On 20 January 1968, while advancing toward an objective on hill 881 North near the Khe Sanh Combat Base the lead platoon of Company I came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire and sustained casualties. Quickly leading a group of Marines to an advantageous position, First Lieutenant FOLEY secured helicopter landing zone and repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire while supervising the evacuation of casualties. Then direction supporting mortar and artillery fire against the hostile positions, he assisted the platoon in continuing its advance. When the platoon commander was mortally wounded, First Lieutenant FOLEY unhesitatingly moved to the point of heaviest contact and after assuming command of the Marines, directed their fire with devastating effectiveness until a reinforcing platoon arrived and assisted in seizing objective and evacuating the remaining friendly casualties. His bold initiative and resolute determination inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. First Lieutenant FILEY's courage, aggressive leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service
First Lieutenant FOLLY is authorized to wear the Combat "V".
FOR THE PRESIDENT
H. W. BUSE, JR.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL U.S. MARINE CORPS
COMMANDING GENERAL FLET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC
