FOX-EDGAR

PARTICIPATED  IN  BATTLE  OF  MIDWAY

Edgar R. Fox joined the Marine Corps in June 1941 and following recruit training was assigned to the Sixth Defense Battalion.  On December 7, 1941, the unit was enroute to Wake Island, but when the island was captured by the Japanese at the beginning of World War II, the unit was redirected to Midway Island.  When Midway Island was attacked by the Japanese on June 4, 1942, PFC Fox manned a pillbox on the southern end of Sand Island (part of Midway Atoll).

The battle at Midway started about 7:05am and he has since written: “My job was to deny the enemy access to the beach.  The air attack lasted about 27 minutes.  I could feel the bombs dropping and hear machine guns going off from the strafing planes and our guns firing back.  I’m probably one of the luckiest men to be alive today because of the men that didn’t make it to make it available for me to be here to tell people what they did, how and why.  What I will never forget is the brotherhood.  We always covered each other’s back. This is my fifth time to visit Midway which I will always remember.  There’s always spirit, respect, and camaraderie.  I just feel proud about being a part of the Battle of Midway group."

Upon completion of his enlistment, Fox reenlisted in the Army and received training in communications and combat photography.  He remained on active duty in the Army until 1966 when he retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  He then commenced a career with the U.S. Forest Service.

                    

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)