Robert W. Foy

Robert William Foy (March 13, 1916 – March 25, 1950) was a United States Army Air Forces fighter pilot and triple-ace who was credited with 15 aerial victories during World War II.^[1][2][3]

Early life

Foy was born on 1916 in New York.^[1]

Military career

On April 2, 1942, he enlisted in the

In November 1943, the

On November 1944, Foy returned to the 357th FG for a second tour of duty. On November 18, while leading his flight to

During World War II, Foy was credited with the destruction of 15 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 2 damaged, and 3 destroyed on the ground while strafing enemy airfields. While serving with the 357th FG, he flew P-51s bearing the names "Reluctant Rebel" and "Little Shrimp". During his combat tours, he was forced to ditch twice in the English Channel after being shot by enemy fire, and was rescued.^[14][15][16]

Post war

After the war, Foy left from active duty at the rank of

Aerial victory credits

Chronicle of aerial victories
Date	#	Type	Location	Aircraft flown	Unit Assigned
May 19, 1944	3	Messerschmitt Bf 109	Brandenburg, Germany	P-51B Mustang	363 FS, 357 FG
June 29, 1944	1	Focke-Wulf Fw 190	Leipzig, Germany	P-51B	363 FS, 357 FG
June 29, 1944	2	Bf 109	Leipzig, Germany	P-51B	363 FS, 357 FG
July 25, 1944	1	Fw 190	Paris, France	P-51D Mustang	363 FS, 357 FG
November 18, 1944	1	Bf 109	Strasbourg, France	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
December 12, 1944	1	Junkers Ju 88	Koblenz, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
December 23, 1944	1	Bf 109	Wetzlar, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
December 23, 1944	1	Ju 88	Wetzlar, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
January 14, 1945	2	Fw 190	Berlin, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
March 19, 1945	1	Messerschmitt Me 262	Giessen, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG
March 24, 1945	1	Bf 109	Gütersloh, Germany	P-51D	363 FS, 357 FG

SOURCES: Air Force Historical Study 85: USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II

Awards and decorations

USAF Senior Pilot Badge
Silver Star[19][1]						Distinguished Flying Cross with two bronze oak leaf clusters[19][1]
Purple Heart				Air Medal with three silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters[1]				Air Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster (second ribbon required for accoutrement spacing)[1]
American Campaign Medal				campaign stars				World War II Victory Medal

Army Presidential Unit Citation with bronze oak leaf cluster

Silver Star citation

Foy, Robert W.

Major (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces

363d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force

Date of Action: June 29, 1944

Citation:^[19]

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Robert William Foy, United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 363d Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations on 29 June 1944. Major Foy led his flight of four P-51 Mustangs into a large force of enemy fighters and dispersed them. Upon firing a burst from his guns, all but one jammed. Undaunted, Major Foy attacked and destroyed one Focke Wulf 190, and then, although alone and extremely vulnerable to attack, went to the assistance of a fellow pilot. With extreme disregard for personal safety, he skillfully maneuvered the attacking aircraft within range of his one effective gun and shot it down in flames. A few minutes later, when his remaining gun ceased to function, Major Foy pursued a Messerschmitt 109 with such tenacity the plane dived into the ground and exploded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army Air Forces.

See also

• Chuck Yeager
• Bud Anderson
• Leonard K. Carson
• John B. England
• Richard A. Peterson

References