The Brave American Lieutenant Who Faced Impossible Odds to Turn the Tide of a Deadly WWII Battle
Ever wondered what it’s like to call in artillery strikes on yourself? Sounds like a twisted game of “chicken” with a whole lot more at stake, right? Well, that’s exactly what Lieutenant John R. Fox did during World War II when enemy forces overwhelmed his position. With a grim resolve, Fox ordered a deadly barrage on his own coordinates, stopping the German advance but sacrificing himself to save countless others. Imagine the chaos of Christmas night turning into a fierce battle where courage meant embracing certain doom, yet making the ultimate stand. His death among roughly 100 fallen enemies tells a story of valor so intense it still resonates today. Curious how someone could make such a heartbreaking decision — and live on as a legend? LEARN MORE
During World War II, John R. Fox, an American lieutenant, knowing the enemy had swarmed his position, called artillery onto his own coordinates, halting the advance at the cost of his life. When U.S. forces counterattacked and regained the position, Fox was found dead amid roughly 100 fallen German soldiers.
“During Christmas night, there was a gradual influx of enemy soldiers… by early morning the town was largely in hostile hands… Lieutenant Fox reported at 0800 hours that the Germans were in the streets and attacking in strength.” Army
“Finally he was warned that the next adjustment would bring the deadly artillery right on top of his position… After acknowledging the danger, Lieutenant Fox insisted that the last adjustment be fired.” Army
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