JOE FOSS, AMERICAN HERO

By DELL ARTHUR

            Featured on display at a small museum in Pierre, South Dakota, hangs an officers Marine Corp uniform. Its owner is listed as one of the United States greatest wartime hero’s. It is the uniform worn by Major Jacob “Joe” Foss, Congressional Medal of Honor holder who during World War fought with the “Cactus Air Force” during the battle at Guadalcanal. During that battle Foss was credited with officially shooting down 26 Japanese aircraft.

            Not bad for a young man who left the farm at age 19 in order to learn how to fly.

            It wasn’t easy for a determined young man who had to work on the family farm following the tragic death of his father in an accident. But as determined as he was he moved to Sioux Falls to finish his education. He worked at a gas station to make enough money for tuition and after graduation from high school he continued working as a “bus boy.” By 1939 he graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in business. During his college years he took advantage of a CAA flying course and received his private pilot certificate.

            Then came the war. Foss enlisted in the Marine Corps. Graduating from the Navy flight school he was anxious to fly fighters. “Too old,” he was informed. At the old age of 26 he was delegated to a Marine Photographic Squadron where he languished. Finally he was able to get “checked out” in the stocky little Grumman F4F that was the mainline fighter airplane in service at that time.

            After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor Foss was anxious to get into combat. America’s first offensive in the Pacific was an island known as Guadalcanal. With the assault of American marines the fight teetered back and forth until the tenacious marine’s finally captured the island dirt airport. With the strip secured and named “Henderson Field,” after another American hero, Naval and Marine aircraft had a place to operate.

            On his first combat mission Foss scored his first “kill.” In the following two months he ran the score up to 26—Tying World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker. For his exploits Foss was presented the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following the presentation he was ordered on a national bond drive before returning to combat.

            Following the war Foss returned to South Dakota. Released from active duty he located at Sioux Falls and opened a civilian flight school. Later he bought a car dealership and expanded his business opportunities. During this time he also joined the South Dakota National Guard and as commanding officer, he was instrumental in the development of the Guard’s air arm.

            Then in 1950 the Korea War erupted. Called to active service by the United Stated Air Force Foss served as Director of Operations and Training for the Central Air Defense Command where he achieved the rank of Brigadier General.

            After the end of combat Foss returned to civilian life and took an interest in politics. He was elected to the State Legislature and at the age of 39 became the state’s youngest governor where he served two terms.

            Following political life Foss held many other distinguished positions. He was featured on a national television game show, “Two for the Money.” But the political “bug” again set in! Foss, as a Republican, ran for a Congressional seat but lost to Democrat George McGovern, and in 1962 ran for the vacated Senate seat left by the death of Senator Francis Case who died in office, but lost to Joseph H. Bottom.

            As an ardent hunter and fisherman Foss was elected President of the National Rifle Association. He also served as the first commissioner of the American Football League. Among his close friends were John Wayne, Charlton Heston and many other distinguished persons.

            In October 2002 Foss suffered a cerebral aneurysm and died three months later. This writer had the honor of meeting and knowing this great man. My fondest memory was when I first met him as a young newspaper reporter, When he was introduced to me I recall my saying “…It is a great pleasure to meet you Governor.” His response was simple. Looking me in the eye and giving me a firm handshake he replied, “…Hell Dell, just call me Joe!” Several times after that we met on similar occasions and he never changed. He had a love of country that can only be equaled only by others of his same spirit and courage. Unfortunately there seems to be few like his breed today and as a result America suffers.