26DEC1944: Serving as a forward observer, 1LT John Fox and his men were in Sommocolonia, Italy as German forces began to recapture the city. Holding their position overnight, German troops began movement into the city on Christmas Day and early the next morning, launched their attack. US forces, outnumbered and outgunned, began their retreat from the town but Fox and his team of observers stayed behind to slow the enemy advance. For the next few hours, Fox brought down artillery strikes all across the town, causing massive losses among the attacking Germans. By 0800 that morning, as enemy forces approached his position, he began calling in strikes dangerously close to his location. With a recent strike landing a mere 60 yards away, Fox radioed to the guns to bring it in closer still as the Germans were right on top of him. His commander intercepted the call, protesting that the following barrage would be right on top of Fox. In response, Fox yelled, "Fire it! Give them hell!" 1LT John Fox was killed in the ensuing artillery barrage but his selfless act slowed the German advance allowing his men to retreat and reorganize for a follow on offensive. For his actions, Fox would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. After a U.S. Army study in the early 1990's determined racial discrimination played a part in the award criteria for certain Soldiers, Fox's award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor and presented to his widow in 1997.

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