James W. Fous, Army

James “Jim” W. Fous – Medal of Honor Recipient

James W. Fous was born October 14th, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska to Mr. Stan and Mrs. Viller B. Fous. He attended Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska and attended the University of Omaha before joining the U.S. Army in 1967.  Private First Class James W. Fous was killed in action in May 1968 and received the Medal of Honor for his valiant actions in combat. The following is the Medal of Honor Citation:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PFC Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E, PFC Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. PFC Fous, together with three other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a woodline. PFC Fous detected three Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing two of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into PFC Fous' position. Without hesitation, PFC 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 three men in the area at the sacrifice of his life.  PFC 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.”

Other awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the badge for Combat Infantryman.

IMG_Fous, James W

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