|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Stamford Historical Society, May 21, 2006 through June 30, 2007
Pride and Patriotism: Stamford’s Role in World War II
Biography
Lieutenant Myles Fox
The The biography below is from AN AMERICAN TOWN GOES TO WAR by Tony Pavia, 1995, with permission by the author.
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.
Introduction
Veterans
Battles
Homefront
Exhibit Photos
Opening Day
An American Town Goes to War
by Tony Pavia
ISBN: 1563112760The book may be viewed at the reseach library of the Stamford Historical Society.
Past Exhibits
Home© Stamford Historical Society