The Stamford Historical Society Presents

Pride and Patriotism: Stamford’s Role in World War II
Online Edition

Biography

The biography below is from AN AMERICAN TOWN GOES TO WAR by Tony Pavia, 1995, ISBN: 1563112760
The book may be viewed at the Marcus Reseach Library of the Stamford Historical Society.
With permission by the author.

Lieutenant Myles Fox

On August 7, 1942 the first US offensive of the war began with the attack on Tulagi and Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands). Lt. Myles Fox of Stamford gave his life during the bloody battle for Tulagi and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Fox had attended King School and Williams College, where he played baseball, football, hockey, and was named to the All New England Soccer Team. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marines in 1940 and volunteered for the Marine Raider Battalion.

On the night of August 8, 1942, during the assault on Tulagi, a Japanese attack threatened to break a battalion line between two companies. During this engagement Fox was wounded and died the following day. His Navy Cross Citation reads that Fox:

“Although mortally wounded, personally directed the deployment of personnel to cover the gap. As a result of his great personal valor…the enemy suffered heavy losses and their attack was repulsed. Fox, by his dauntless devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

In January of 1944, the Navy launched a new destroyer, the U.S.S. Myles Fox, which was named in honor of Stamford’s fallen hero.

© Anthony Pavia, 1995

Fox was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and a Presidential Unit Citation.

.The Battle of Gudalcanal

Introduction
Veterans
Battles
Stamford Service Rolls
Homefront
Exhibit Photos
Opening Day