First Lieutenant John Robert Fox
“Fire It—There’s More of Them Than There Are of Us”
John Robert Fox was an African American U.S. Army officer whose extraordinary sacrifice during World War II made him one of the nation’s most honored military heroes.
Born on May 18, 1915, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fox attended Ohio State University before transferring to Wilberforce University, a historically Black institution. He studied science and engineering, participated in ROTC, and received an Army commission as a second lieutenant. (EBSCO)
Fox served as a forward artillery observer with the 598th Field Artillery Battalion, supporting the 366th Infantry Regiment of the segregated 92nd Infantry Division—the famed Buffalo Soldiers Division. In December 1944, his unit was defending the Italian village of Sommocolonia when German forces launched a major attack. (Army Museum)
As American troops withdrew, Fox remained in an observation post and continued directing artillery fire against the advancing enemy. When German soldiers surrounded his position, he ordered American artillery to fire directly on his location. He understood that the bombardment would almost certainly kill him, but it would also slow the German assault and provide his fellow soldiers time to regroup.
Fox was killed in the barrage on December 26, 1944. His sacrifice helped disrupt the enemy advance and contributed to the eventual recapture of the village. (Army Museum)
Because of racial discrimination within the military recognition system, Fox did not receive the Medal of Honor during his lifetime. Following an Army review of Black World War II veterans whose heroism may have been overlooked, his Distinguished Service Cross was upgraded. On January 13, 1997—more than fifty years after his death—President Bill Clinton presented the Medal of Honor to Fox’s widow, Arlene. Fox was one of seven African American World War II veterans honored that day. (The National WWII Museum)
John Robert Fox chose the lives of his soldiers over his own. His courage represents sacrifice, leadership, and the often-delayed recognition of Black military excellence