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Joseph Jacob Foss (April 17, 1915 – January 1, 2003) was a United States Marine Corps Major and a leading Marine fighter ace in World War II. He received the Medal of Honor in recognition of his role in air combat during the Guadalcanal campaign. In postwar years, he was an Air National Guard Brigadier General, served as the 20th Governor of South Dakota (1955–1959), president of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and the first commissioner of the American Football League. He also was a television broadcaster.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

Foss was born in an unelectrified farmhouse near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the oldest son of Mary Esther (née Lacey) and Frank Ole Foss. He was of Norwegian and Scottish descent.[2] At age 12, he visited an airfield in Renner to see Charles Lindbergh on tour with his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis. Four years later, he and his father paid $1.50 apiece to take their first aircraft ride in a Ford Trimotor at Black Hills Airport with a famed South Dakota aviator, Clyde Ice.[3]

In March 1933, while coming back from the fields during a storm, his father was killed when he drove over a downed electrical cable and was electrocuted as he stepped out of his automobile.[4] Young Foss, not yet 18 years old, pitched in with his mother and brother Cliff to continue running the family farm.[5]

After watching a Marine Corps aerial team, led by Capt. Clayton Jerome, perform aerobatics in open-cockpit biplanes, he was determined to become a Marine aviator.[6] Foss worked at a service station to pay for books and college tuition, and to begin flight lessons from Roy Lanning, at the Sioux Skyway Airfield in 1938, scraping up $65 to pay for the instruction. His younger brother took over the management of the farm and allowed Foss to go back to school and graduate from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. He graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1939 with a degree in business administration.[7]

While at USD, Foss and other like-minded students convinced authorities to set up a CAA flying course at the university; he built up 100 flight hours by graduation.[5] Foss paid his way through university by bussing tables. He joined the Sigma chapter of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and excelled at sports in USD, fighting on the college boxing team, participating as a member of the track team and as a second-string guard on the football team.[5][8]

Foss served as a Private in the 147th Field Artillery Regiment, Sioux Falls, South Dakota National Guard from 1939 to 1940. By 1940, armed with a pilot certificate and a college degree, Foss hitchhiked to Minneapolis to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserves, in order to join the Naval Aviation Cadet program to become a Naval Aviator.[5]

Military career

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Foss during World War II

Effort to become a fighter pilot

[edit]

Foss was accepted by the Marine Corps for flight school and commissioning. After graduation from flight school at NAS Pensacola, Florida he was designated a Naval Aviator and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, in the Marine Corps. He was then assigned as a "plowback" instructor at Pensacola teaching Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard students to be Naval Aviators. At 27 years of age, he was considered too old to be a fighter pilot, and was instead sent to the Navy School of Photography. Upon completion of his initial assignment, he was transferred to Marine Photographic Squadron 1 (VMO-1) stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. Dissatisfied with his role in photographic reconnaissance, Foss made repeated requests to be transferred to a fighter qualification program. He checked out in Grumman F4F Wildcats while still assigned to VMO-1, logging over 150 flight hours in June and July, 1942, and was eventually transferred to Marine Fighting Squadron 121 VMF-121 as the executive officer.[Note 1] While stateside, Foss married his high school sweetheart, June Shakstad in 1942.[9]

Watercolor of U.S. Marine Captain Joe Foss shooting down a Zero over Guadalcanal in October 1942

Guadalcanal Flying Ace

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In October 1942, VMF-121 pilots and aircraft were sent to Guadalcanal as part of Operation Watchtower to relieve VMF-223, which had been fighting for control of the air over the island since mid-August.[10] On October 9, Foss and his group were catapult launched off the USS Copahee escort carrier and flew 350 miles (560 km) north to reach Guadalcanal.[11] The air group, code named "Cactus", based at Henderson Field became known as the Cactus Air Force, and their presence played a pivotal role in the Battle of Guadalcanal.[12] Foss soon gained a reputation for aggressive close-in fighter tactics and uncanny gunnery skills.[13][Note 2] Foss shot down a Japanese Zero on his first combat mission on October 13, but his own F4F Wildcat was shot up as well, and with a dead engine and three more Zeros on his tail, he landed at full speed, with no flaps and minimal control on Henderson Field, barely missing a grove of palm trees.[14] On 7 November his Wildcat was again hit, and he survived a ditching in the sea off the island of Malaita.[15]

Foss stands with Cactus Air Force commander MajGen Roy Geiger.
An alternate logo used by the Marine Fighting Squadron 115 was "... drawn by the Disney Studios (...) is exemplary of the squadron itself, and the cigar pays tribute to Major Joe Foss' ever-present 'stogie' (...) the name was chosen by popular vote."[16][17]

As lead pilot in his flight of eight Wildcats, the group soon became known as "Foss's Flying Circus", with two sections Foss nicknamed "Farm Boys" and "City Slickers."[13] In December 1942, Foss contracted malaria. He was sent to Sydney, Australia for rehabilitation, where he met Australian ace Clive "Killer" Caldwell and delivered some lectures on operational flying to RAF pilots, newly assigned to the theater.[9] On January 1, 1943, Foss returned to Guadalcanal, to continue combat operations which lasted until February 9, 1943, although the Japanese attacks had waned from the height of the November 1942 crisis.[18] In three months of sustained combat, Foss's Flying Circus had shot down 72 Japanese aircraft, including 26 credited to him.[19] Upon matching the record of 26 kills held by America's top World War I ace, Eddie Rickenbacker, Foss was accorded the honor of becoming America's first "ace-of-aces" in World War II.[20] One of the Japanese he shot down was ace Kaname Harada, who became a peace activist and met Foss many years later.[21]

Foss returned to the United States in March 1943. On May 18, 1943, Foss received the Medal of Honor from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.[19] The White House ceremony was featured in Life magazine, with the reluctant Captain Foss appearing on the magazine's cover.[22] He then was asked to participate in a war bond tour that stretched into 1944.[18]

Return to combat

[edit]
L–R (foreground) Maj. Joe Foss, Maj. Marion Carl and advisor Charles Lindbergh in South Pacific, May 1944

In February 1944, Foss returned to the Pacific theater to lead VMF-115, flying the F4U Corsair. VMF-115 was based in the combat zone around Emirau, St. Mathias Group in 1944. It was during this second tour that Foss met and became friends with fellow Marine fighter ace Marion Carl. He also had an opportunity to meet and fly with his boyhood idol, Charles Lindbergh, who was on assignment touring the South Pacific as an aviation consultant. After eight months of operational flying but no opportunities to increase his wartime score, Foss finished his combat service as one of America's top scoring pilots.[23]

Foss again contracted malaria, and was sent home to the Klamath Falls, Oregon Rehabilitation Center. [Note 3]In February 1945, he became operations and training officer at the Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California.[25][Note 4]

Postwar

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Air National Guard

[edit]

In August 1945, Foss was released to inactive duty and opened Joe Foss Flying Service, charter flying service and flight instruction school in Sioux Falls, that eventually grew into a 35-aircraft operation. With a friend, Duane "Duke" Corning, he later owned a Packard car dealership in the town.[26]

In October 1945, Foss was ordered to appear at Navy Day ceremonies in four cities there and was finally relieved from active duty in December 1945 but was retained in the Marine Corps Reserve on inactive duty until 1947. In 1946, Foss was appointed a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Dakota Air National Guard and instructed to form the South Dakota Air National Guard, becoming the Commanding Officer for the Guard's 175th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. During the unit's formative years, Foss was actively involved in administration and flying with the squadron, even becoming a member of their North American P-51 Mustang air demonstration team.[27] During the Korean War, Foss, then a Colonel, was called to active duty with the United States Air Force, relinquishing command of the 175th Squadron, and served as a Director of Operations and Training for the Central Air Defense Command; he eventually reached the rank of Brigadier General.[28]

Political career

[edit]
Foss as Governor, 1955

Campaigning from the cockpit of a light aircraft, Foss served two elected terms as a Republican representative in the South Dakota legislature and, beginning in 1955, at age 39, as the state's youngest governor.[29] During his tenure as governor, he accompanied Tom Brokaw, then a high school student and Governor of South Dakota American Legion Boys State, to New York City for a joint appearance on Two for the Money, a television game show, which featured Foss because of his wartime celebrity. [Note 5] Foss had previously appeared on the long-running game show What's My Line on May 1, 1955. [Note 6]

In 1958, Foss unsuccessfully sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, having been defeated by another wartime pilot hero, the Democrat George McGovern. Foss tried to re-enter politics in 1962 in a campaign to succeed Sen. Francis Case, who died in office.

Later careers

[edit]

American Football League

[edit]

After serving as governor, Foss spent a short time working for Raven Industries before becoming the first Commissioner of the newly created American Football League in 1959. He oversaw the emergence of the league as the genesis of modern professional football. During the next seven years, Foss helped expand the league and made lucrative television deals, including the initial five-year, $10.6 million contract with ABC in 1960 to broadcast AFL games. The next contract was also for five years, but with NBC for a substantially greater $36 million, starting in 1965.[30][31]

Foss stepped aside as commissioner in April 1966,[32] two months before the historic agreement that led to the merger of AFL and NFL and the creation of the Super Bowl.[33] Al Davis succeeded him,[34] but disagreed with the merger and resigned after 3+1⁄2 months. Milt Woodard, the assistant commissioner under Foss, was named to the new office of president of the AFL in July and served through the league's final season in 1969.[35]

Television career

[edit]

Drawing on a lifelong love of hunting and the outdoors, Foss hosted ABC television's The American Sportsman from 1964 to 1967, which took him around the world for hunting and fishing excursions. He then hosted and produced his own syndicated outdoors TV series, The Outdoorsman: Joe Foss, from 1967 to 1974. In 1972, he also began a six-year stint as Director of Public Affairs for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.[33]

National Rifle Association

[edit]

Starting in 1988, Foss was elected to two consecutive one-year terms as president of the National Rifle Association of America.[6] In his later years he maintained a rigorous speaking schedule and spoke out for conservative causes on what he considered a weakening of gun owners' rights. He was portrayed on the cover of the 29 January 1990 issue of Time Magazine wearing his trademark Stetson hat and holding a revolver.[36]

Philanthropy

[edit]
Easter Seal Twins, Paula and Patricia Webber (Sumter, South Carolina); National Easter Seal Chairman Art Linkletter; President John F. Kennedy; President of the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults, Joseph Foss; Governor of South Carolina Ernest Hollings. Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. in 1961.

Foss, who had a daughter with cerebral palsy, served as President of the National Society of Crippled Children and Adults.[33] Foss's other charities included the Easter Seals campaign, Campus Crusade for Christ, and an Arizona program for disadvantaged youths.

The Joe Foss Institute

[edit]

In 2001, Foss and his second wife, "Didi,"[Note 7] founded the Joe Foss Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The institute works with veterans and educators around the United States to educate the nation's youth on history and civics, and to inspire them to become informed and engaged citizens.[38] Through classroom presentations, curriculum and scholarships, the Joe Foss Institute has served more than 1.35 million children, as of June 2014, nationwide. Currently, the institute offers three primary programs; Veterans Inspiring Patriotism (VIP), You are America Civics Series and scholarship contests which run year-round. Foss did many of these school visits himself, speaking to children of all ages about service, responsibility, patriotism, integrity and commitment.[39]

Other honors and recognition

[edit]

Foss co-authored or was the subject of three books including the wartime Joe Foss: Flying Marine (with Walter Simmons); Top Guns (with Matthew Brennan); and A Proud American by his wife, Donna Wild Foss. Foss also provided the foreword to Above and Beyond: the Aviation Medals of Honor by Barrett Tillman, and was profiled in Tom Brokaw's 1998 book about World War II and its warriors, The Greatest Generation. Brokaw characterized Foss: "He had a hero's swagger but a winning smile to go with his plain talk and movie-star looks. Joe Foss was larger than life, and his heroics in the skies over the Pacific were just the beginning of a journey that would take him to places far from that farm with no electricity and not much hope north of Sioux Falls."[40]Brave Eagle, a 1955 postwar effort to film a story of Foss's life, starring his friend, John Wayne, fell through in 1956 when Foss refused to allow the producers to add a fictitious love story.[24] American Ace: The Joe Foss Story was an award-winning, hour-length television documentary, produced by the South Dakota Public Broadcasting, first aired in fall 2006.[3]

Foss was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1984.[41] He also was a president and board chairman of the Air Force Association and as a Director of the United States Air Force Academy.[33] In 2000, he served as a consultant on the popular computer game Combat Flight Simulator 2 by Microsoft.[42] A complete listing of Foss's affiliations and honors is given at The Joe Foss Institute.[43]

Later years

[edit]

On January 11, 2002, Foss, then 86, was detained by security at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He was scheduled to deliver an address at the National Rifle Association and speak to a class at the United States Military Academy at West Point. A search necessitated by his pacemaker precluding a metal detector screening had led to the discovery of the star-shaped Medal of Honor, along with a clearly marked dummy-bullet keychain, a second replica bullet and a small nail file (with MOH insignia).

Newsman Jack Cafferty noted that airport security personnel demonstrated poor judgment in not recognizing the Medal of Honor and in demanding to confiscate and destroy the medal and related memorabilia. He eventually lost a souvenir replica bullet, but was able to retain his Medal of Honor and commemorative nail file, by shipping it back to himself.[44]

"I wasn't upset for me ... I was upset for the Medal of Honor, that they just didn't know what it even was. It represents all of the guys who lost their lives – the guys who never came back. Everyone who put their lives on the line for their country. You're supposed to know what the Medal of Honor is", he said.[45] The incident led to a national debate about post 9/11 airport security practices and their ramifications on the average citizen.[46]

Death

[edit]

Foss suffered a stroke in October 2002 when he bled from a cerebral aneurysm. He died three months later on New Year's Day, 2003, never having regained consciousness, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife had made their home in later years.[47][48] Vice President Dick Cheney, retired Lt. Colonel Oliver North and South Dakota native and NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw were among those who attended with North delivering the eulogy.

Actor Charlton Heston gave a brief tribute to his old friend. Foss was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 7A, Lot 162 on January 21, 2003.[49] Family, friends, military personnel and dignitaries remembered him fondly at a service in Arlington and at an earlier "Memorial Service for an American Patriot" in the old chapel at nearby Fort Myer.

Memorials

[edit]

A number of institutions and locations have been named in honor of Foss, including Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Joe Foss Field, the Joe Foss Field Air National Guard Station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Joe Foss Field at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport [Note 8] [Note 9], Joe Foss High School also in Sioux Falls, and the State Building in Pierre, South Dakota. A larger-than-life bronze statue of Foss stands in the lobby of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.[50]

The Joe Foss Shooting Complex in Buckeye, Arizona, is also named in his honor.[51] A private road in Scottsdale, Arizona, owned by General Dynamics, was renamed "Joe Foss Way" and dedicated on May 20, 2003.[52]

In 1984, Foss was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. [53]

Foss was inducted into the Naval Aviation Hall of Honor at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, in 1994.[54]

Aerial victories

[edit]
Profile drawing of a Grumman F4F Wildcat flown by Joe Foss (Guadalcanal, c. 1942)

The Marine Corps credits Foss with 26 air victories, and Marine ace Robert M. Hanson with 25 victories. However, the Marine Corps credits Marine ace Gregory "Pappy" Boyington with 28 American victories. This is due to Boyington's (22 Marine victories) wartime claim of 6 victories scored while serving with the Flying Tigers (American Volunteer Group-AVG) in China at the beginning of World War II, prior to him rejoining the Marine Corps;[55]

AVG records show that Boyington was paid for 3.5 enemy aircraft destroyed (2-air, 1.5-ground).[56] The American Fighter Aces Association credits Boyington with 24 victories (22 with the Marine Corps and 2 with the AVG).

Date Total Aircraft types claimed
October 13, 1942 1 A6M Allied reporting name: "Zeke" destroyed (Cactus)
October 14, 1942 1 A6M "Zeke" destroyed (Cactus)
October 18, 1942 3 2 A6M "Zekes" and 1 G4M "Betty" destroyed (Cactus)
October 20, 1942 2 A6M "Zekes" destroyed (Cactus)
October 23, 1942 4 A6M "Zekes" destroyed (Cactus)
October 25, 1942 2 A6M "Zekes" destroyed (Cactus)
October 25, 1942 3 A6M "Zekes" destroyed (Cactus)
November 7, 1942 3 1 A6M2-N "Rufe" and 2 F1M2 "Petes" destroyed (Cactus), but was shot down by the rear gunner of a Pete he shot down. Postwar records show the Japanese lost only one Pete that day.[57]
November 12, 1942 3 2 G4M "Bettys" and 1 A6M Zero destroyed (Cactus)
November 15, 1942 1 E13A "Jake" destroyed (Cactus)
January 15, 1943 3 A6M "Zekes" destroyed (Cactus)[58]
26

Military awards

[edit]

Foss's military decorations and awards include:

Gold star
Gold star
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Badge United States Air Force Command Pilot Badge[59]
Badge Naval Aviator Badge
1st Row Medal of Honor
2nd row Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal
w/ two gold stars 		Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
with one bronze oak leaf cluster
3rd row Navy Presidential Unit Citation
with one service star 		American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal
4th row Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
with two campaign stars 		World War II Victory Medal National Defense Service Medal
with one service star
5th row Air Force Longevity Service Award
with one bronze oak leaf cluster 		Armed Forces Reserve Medal
silver hourglass device 		Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Medal of Honor citation

[edit]

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR to

CAPTAIN JOSEPH J. FOSS
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Executive Officer of a Marine Fighting Squadron, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from October 9 to November 19, 1942, Captain Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese aircraft and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On January 15, 1943, he added three more enemy aircraft to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on January 25, Captain Foss led his eight F4F Marine planes and four Army P-38s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that four Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.

/S/ Franklin D. Roosevelt

See also

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References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Joe Foss

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Joseph Jacob Foss (April 17, 1915 – January 1, 2003) was an American fighter pilot, state governor, and sports league commissioner renowned for his combat record in World War II, where he was credited with 26 aerial victories as a Marine Corps ace and received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism over Guadalcanal. Foss enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1940, earned his wings in 1941, and deployed to the as of Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) in October 1942. Over the ensuing months, he personally downed 23 Japanese aircraft, led numerous escort missions protecting reconnaissance and bombing operations, and on one occasion directed a mixed force of F4F Wildcats and P-38 Lightnings to repel a superior enemy formation, adding three more victories despite intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition; these actions, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership in defending the beleaguered airfield, earned him the , personally presented by President in May 1943. Later commanding VMF-115, Foss contracted but continued service until war's end, retiring as a in the . Postwar, Foss entered politics as a Republican, serving two terms as South Dakota's 20th from 1955 to 1959, during which he secured a bonus for veterans, boosted state education funding, and approved a record budget to foster industrial growth and improvements. He subsequently became the first of the in 1960, guiding the fledgling rival to the through its formative years and advocating for a championship game that evolved into the . Foss also led the as president from 1988 to 1990, hosted a television outdoor show, and pursued business ventures, embodying a commitment to public service and Second Amendment advocacy throughout his life.

Early Life

Childhood and Family

Joseph Jacob Foss was born on April 17, 1915, on a approximately four and a half miles east of . He was the eldest of three children born to Frank Ole Foss, a Norwegian-American farmer, and Mary Esther Lacey Foss, a homemaker of Scots-Irish descent. His siblings included a , Clifford Walter Foss, and a sister, Flora Foss. Foss grew up in a rural farmhouse lacking electricity, performing farm chores amid the challenges of agriculture. In 1933, when Foss was 18, his father died, leaving the family to contend with the economic hardships of the . Foss assumed significant responsibilities, working alongside his mother and brother to manage the farm operations during this period. The severe droughts of 1935 and 1936 further devastated crops, exacerbating financial strains on the family. From an early age, Foss developed a keen interest in , sparked by observing pilots flying over the family farm and attending local air shows. At around age 11, his father took him to an airfield exhibition featuring , whose 1927 transatlantic flight had captivated the nation; this experience profoundly influenced the young Foss. On August 27, 1927, Lindbergh landed his near Sioux Falls, an event Foss witnessed and later credited with igniting his passion for flight.

Education and Aviation Interests

Foss attended Washington High School in , graduating in the mid-1930s. He subsequently studied at Augustana College for one year and Sioux Falls College for three semesters before transferring to the , where he earned a degree in 1940. Foss developed an early fascination with aviation, sparked at age 12 by witnessing during a promotional tour following his 1927 . He took his first airplane ride at age 16 in a and began formal flying lessons around while working on the family farm to save money for instruction. This interest deepened through a ride with Clyde Ice and exposure to a Marine Corps air demonstration, motivating his pursuit of a military flying career. During his time at the , Foss participated in a Civil Aeronautics Administration primary program, accumulating sufficient hours to earn a commercial pilot certificate by 1940. Armed with this credential and his degree, he sought entry into but faced initial rejections due to age and vision concerns before securing a commission in the Marine Corps Reserves.

Military Service

Path to Becoming a Pilot

After completing his civilian pilot training and earning a private pilot certificate in 1938 while attending Sioux Falls College, Foss sought a career amid rising global tensions. In June 1940, at age 25, he hitchhiked approximately 300 miles from , to , , to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve specifically to enter the Cadet program, leveraging his prior flying experience and recent degree. Foss reported for initial duty and, on August 8, 1940, was assigned to , , for primary flight training as an aviation cadet. The rigorous program included ground school instruction, primary flight in aircraft such as the Stearman N2S Kaydet , and advanced phases emphasizing carrier operations and instrument flying, conducted under the U.S. Navy's aviation pipeline shared with Marine Corps candidates. Despite his enthusiasm, Foss faced scrutiny for his age—nearing 26—which Marine evaluators initially deemed borderline for the demanding fighter pilot roles, leading to a temporary consideration for non-combat aviation duties like photographic reconnaissance. Undeterred, Foss persisted through intermediate training at , , and advanced carrier qualification at , , before returning to Pensacola for final evaluation. He soloed early in training, logged over 200 flight hours during the course, and demonstrated proficiency in , gunnery, and dive bombing—skills essential for Marine aviators. On March 31, 1941, Foss graduated from flight school, earning his gold Naval Aviator wings and a commission as a in the Marine Corps, marking his official qualification as a military pilot eligible for combat assignment. Post-designation, Foss lobbied superiors for duty, overriding initial reservations about his age by highlighting his civilian flying record and ; he was eventually transferred from photographic training to Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) instruction, setting the stage for operational deployment. This path reflected the selective nature of pre-war Marine , where only about 20-30% of cadets completed the program amid high washout rates due to strict standards in , , and combat simulation.

Guadalcanal Campaign and Aerial Victories

Captain Joseph J. Foss, executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121), arrived at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal on October 9, 1942, aboard the USS Copahee as reinforcements for the Cactus Air Force during the Guadalcanal Campaign. Flying the Grumman F4F-1 Wildcat, Foss quickly engaged Japanese aircraft in defense of the airfield against frequent raids by Imperial Japanese Navy bombers and fighters, primarily Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" bombers escorted by A6M Zero fighters. In his first 12 days of combat operations, he achieved 16 confirmed aerial victories, including multiple engagements on October 13 and subsequent days where VMF-121 pilots escorted dive bombers and intercepted enemy formations. From October 9 to November 19, 1942, Foss personally downed 23 Japanese aircraft, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship and tactical skill in dogfights over the Solomon Islands, often leading his squadron despite numerical inferiority. His actions included downing a Zero on October 14 amid heavy losses for VMF-121 and multiple victories on November 7 while escorting SBD Dauntless bombers from VMSB-132. Foss's leadership helped maintain air superiority for Allied forces at critical moments, contributing to the repulsion of Japanese offensives aimed at recapturing the airfield. Contracting in late November 1942, Foss was evacuated for six weeks of treatment but returned to on January 1, 1943, to resume operations until February 9. In this final phase, he added three more confirmed victories on January 15 and 25, bringing his total to 26 enemy aircraft destroyed—the highest tally for any Marine Corps pilot in the Pacific Theater and tying the American ace record. These achievements, verified through footage, witness accounts, and post-mission debriefs, underscored Foss's role in sustaining the Marine air presence amid harsh conditions including shortages and mechanical failures.

Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service

Foss earned the Medal of Honor for his leadership and combat performance as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 121 during the Guadalcanal Campaign, specifically for actions from October 9 to November 19, 1942, and on January 15 and 25, 1943. The official citation commended his "outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty," noting that on October 9, 1942, he led a flight of eight F4F Wildcats, personally downing three Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters despite sustaining damage to his aircraft, and safely returning his formation to Henderson Field. Over the ensuing weeks, Foss added eight more confirmed victories, reaching 16 by November 19, while organizing and leading patrols that protected Marine ground forces from Japanese air attacks amid intense aerial combat over the Solomon Islands. On January 15, 1943, he directed a mission that destroyed four enemy aircraft, and on January 25, he claimed three additional victories, bringing his total to 26 confirmed kills—establishing him as the leading Marine Corps ace of the Pacific theater at that time. President personally presented the to Foss in a ceremony on May 1943, recognizing his role in sustaining air superiority during a critical phase of the Guadalcanal operation, where VMF-121 faced numerically superior Japanese forces despite limited resources and frequent mechanical issues with their Wildcats. Foss's tactics emphasized aggressive interception and coordinated strikes, often flying multiple sorties daily while mentoring less experienced pilots, which contributed to the squadron's overall tally of over 70 enemy aircraft downed. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Foss received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial combat, awarded by Admiral William F. Halsey for downing six Zeros and one Japanese bomber during early engagements in the campaign. This decoration acknowledged his initial rapid accumulation of victories—five in the first week of combat and 19 within six weeks—demonstrating skill in dogfighting and evasion under fire from skilled Japanese pilots. The award underscored Foss's proficiency as a , honed through pre-war civilian training and rapid wartime advancement, in an environment where survival rates for Marine aviators were low due to the island's harsh conditions and relentless enemy raids.

Return to Combat and Post-War Reserves

After departing in February 1943 due to , Foss was promoted to major on June 1, 1943, and took command of Marine Fighter Squadron 115 (VMF-115) on July 17, 1943, while the unit trained at . In February 1944, he led VMF-115—nicknamed "Joe's Jokers"—back to the Pacific Theater, flying the F4U Corsair in combat operations against Japanese forces. During this eight-month tour, Foss did not add to his aerial victory tally despite opportunities for engagement, as Japanese air activity had diminished in the areas patrolled by his squadron. He contracted once more, leading to his to the in late 1944. VMF-115 continued operations under subsequent leadership, contributing to Allied advances in the and surrounding regions. Foss was released from active duty in December 1945 but maintained inactive status in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1947. He then transferred to the Air National Guard, rising to . During the , Foss, holding the rank of , was recalled to with the , serving as Director of Operations and Training for Marine air units at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, . He retired from military service in 1955.

Political Career

Rise in South Dakota Politics

Following his discharge from active military duty in 1946, Foss settled in , and was appointed a in the Air National Guard. He entered politics in 1948, securing election to the as a Republican. Foss served in the House from 1949 to 1950. In 1950, Foss sought the Republican nomination for governor but lost the primary election narrowly to incumbent Sigurd Anderson. He returned to the state legislature, winning reelection to the House for the 1953–1954 session. Leveraging his World War II heroism and Medal of Honor status, Foss campaigned again for governor in 1954. Foss won the Republican primary and the general election on November 2, 1954, defeating Democratic nominee Edward C. Martin. At age 39, he became South Dakota's youngest governor upon taking office on January 4, 1955. His victory margin was substantial, reflecting strong voter support for his military background and conservative platform.

Governorship Achievements and Policies

Joe Foss served as the 20th Governor of South Dakota from January 4, 1955, to January 6, 1959, after winning election in 1954 and reelection in 1956 as a Republican. His administration focused on economic growth, veteran support, and infrastructure expansion amid the state's post-war recovery. Foss leveraged his national prominence as a Medal of Honor recipient to promote South Dakota's business-friendly environment, marking a shift toward proactive state-led development. A of Foss's policies was the initiation of South Dakota's first state-directed efforts, including the creation of a state agency to foster business growth and attract industry. He actively worked to increase industrial presence in the state, emphasizing low taxes and regulatory ease to draw investment. These initiatives laid early groundwork for diversifying South Dakota's agrarian economy, though measurable impacts were gradual given the era's limited data tracking. Foss prioritized veteran welfare by securing legislative approval for a bonus program for veterans, providing financial recognition for their service. In education, he advocated for and helped achieve increased state aid to schools, alongside expansions to university facilities to meet growing enrollment demands. His administration also passed a record state budget to fund these priorities without excessive debt, reflecting balanced with investment in public services. Infrastructure advancements under Foss included continuing aggressive highway construction programs and developing recreation areas around new reservoirs formed by federal dams. Socially, he signed laws repealing discriminatory statutes against Native Americans, advancing civil equality in the state. These policies underscored Foss's pragmatic governance, rooted in military-honed discipline and a commitment to state progress.

Political Views and Legacy

Foss identified as a lifelong Republican, aligning with conservative principles that prioritized individual liberties, personal responsibility, faith, family, and the traditional American way of life. During his political career, he advocated for policies reflecting fiscal prudence and support for veterans and education, as evidenced by securing a Korean War veterans' bonus, increased education aid, and a record state budget during his governorship from 1955 to 1959. He opposed expansive government intervention, particularly in areas infringing on constitutional rights. A staunch defender of the Second Amendment, Foss viewed the right to bear arms as absolute and essential for preventing tyranny and ensuring personal security. As president of the National Rifle Association from 1988 to 1990, he rejected gun control measures like waiting periods and background checks, arguing they punished law-abiding citizens while failing to deter criminals, and warned that such restrictions historically enabled oppressive regimes, referencing Nazi Germany, communist China, and figures like Adolf Hitler and Manuel Noriega. Foss declared, "I say all guns are good guns," asserting that widespread civilian armament, not disarmament, was necessary to combat crime amid a deficient justice system, and tied gun ownership to fundamental freedoms and self-reliance rooted in Judeo-Christian values. Foss's political legacy lies in embodying a fusion of military heroism and unyielding conservatism, influencing national debates on gun rights and patriotism through his NRA leadership and speaking engagements. His campaigns, including a 1958 congressional run against George McGovern, and public advocacy highlighted resistance to perceived erosions of freedoms, establishing him as a model for conservative figures who prioritize constitutional originalism over compromise. Foss's efforts extended to promoting civic education and hard work, reinforcing his role as a enduring symbol of principled American patriotism.

Professional and Business Ventures

American Football League Leadership

Following his unsuccessful bid for a U.S. congressional seat in 1958, Foss was appointed the inaugural commissioner of the (AFL) on November 30, 1959, by the league's eight founding team owners, who sought his national prominence and Washington connections to legitimize the upstart rival to the established (NFL). The AFL commenced its inaugural season in 1960 with franchises in , Buffalo, , , New York, Oakland, , and , positioning itself as an innovative alternative emphasizing wide-open offenses and aggressive marketing. Foss's leadership focused on and visibility amid intense from the , including player raids and bidding wars for talent; he prioritized securing broadcast deals, notably negotiating early television contracts that provided essential revenue for team operations and player salaries. Under his tenure, the AFL expanded its fanbase through promotional efforts and rule adaptations, such as emphasizing passing plays, which differentiated it from the more run-oriented . By 1963, Foss corresponded directly with Commissioner to address competitive tensions, laying groundwork for inter-league dialogue. Foss's efforts elevated the AFL's prestige, culminating in merger negotiations with the NFL; the leagues agreed to consolidate in June 1966, forming a unified structure that preserved AFL elements and led to the inaugural AFL-NFL World Championship Game (later renamed the ) in January 1967. He resigned effective April 7, 1966, shortly before the merger's public announcement, having guided the AFL from precarious startup to viable contender with 10 teams by its end. His commissionership, spanning from late 1959 to early 1966, is credited with fostering the AFL's growth and forcing structural changes in professional football.

Television and Broadcasting Career

Following his tenure as the first commissioner of the from 1960 to 1966, Foss transitioned into television hosting, leveraging his reputation as a war hero, outdoors enthusiast, and former athlete. In 1965, he became the original host of ABC's , a pioneering outdoor adventure program that featured celebrity guests engaging in and expeditions across various global locations. The series aired on Sunday afternoons and emphasized and , aligning with Foss's lifelong passion for the outdoors, which he had pursued since his youth in . Foss hosted the show through 1967, during which it gained popularity for its blend of adventure and high-profile participants. In 1967, Foss launched and hosted his own syndicated series, The Outdoorsman: Joe Foss, which he also produced, running until 1974. This program focused on , , and conservation topics, often filmed in remote areas, and further established Foss as a prominent figure in outdoor . Through these roles, Foss contributed to the early development of adventure-oriented television programming, drawing on his personal experiences as an avid sportsman to provide authentic commentary and narration. His broadcasting work bridged his military and political backgrounds with public media, reaching audiences interested in patriotic and self-reliant themes inherent in outdoor pursuits.

Advocacy and Civic Contributions

National Rifle Association Presidency

Joseph Jacob Foss served on the National Rifle Association's Board of Directors beginning in 1983. He was elected president of the organization in 1988, serving two consecutive one-year terms through 1990. As the third recipient to hold the position, Foss leveraged his military experience and marksmanship expertise to advocate for Second Amendment rights during a period of intensifying national debates over firearm regulations. Foss's leadership emphasized opposition to proposed restrictions on semi-automatic firearms and broader efforts, framing them as threats to individual liberties and rooted in American founding principles. In a March 1989 address, he articulated the NRA's stance against any legislative attempts to outlaw firearms, arguing that such measures disregarded the organization's focus on responsible ownership, training, and hunting traditions. He publicly critiqued proponents, drawing parallels to historical tactics and highlighting empirical data on rates and defensive uses to support deregulation. Foss promoted grassroots expansion of NRA programs, including safety training and youth education, to bolster membership and counter narratives portraying gun owners as irresponsible. His tenure reinforced the NRA's commitment to political advocacy, contributing to sustained resistance against federal overreach on firearms ownership amid rising urban violence statistics in the late 1980s. Foss's direct, no-nonsense style—often invoking his combat record—resonated with members, helping maintain organizational unity and influence. In recognition of his service, the NRA awarded him Honorary Life Membership in 2000, its highest honor.

Joe Foss Institute for Civic Education

The Joe Foss Institute for Civic Education was established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) in by World War II recipient Joe Foss and his wife, Didi Foss. Its founding aimed to address perceived deficiencies in public education by emphasizing preparation for informed citizenship alongside academic and vocational skills. The institute leveraged Foss's military background to deploy veterans as educators in K-12 classrooms, delivering presentations on themes of courage, character, patriotism, and American history to foster among students. Core activities included developing online curricula aligned with the U.S. Citizenship Test, which assesses knowledge of foundational American principles, government structure, and historical events; these resources tested student comprehension through quizzes and interactive modules. Additional programs encompassed scholarships for -focused studies, teacher professional development workshops, and nationwide veteran-led assemblies reaching over 1.6 million K-12 students by 2015, including more than 53,000 in alone. The institute's approach prioritized from military veterans to instill values of service and constitutional literacy, countering what founders viewed as inadequate emphasis on these topics in standard curricula. A key initiative was the , launched around 2015 under the institute's auspices, which advocated for mandatory high school exams modeled on the U.S. Test to ensure baseline civic knowledge before graduation. Directed initially by figures like former politician , the effort sought to cultivate active voter participation and informed among youth. By integrating testimonies with factual historical content, the program aimed to build resilience against ideological distortions in , drawing on Foss's own experiences in combat and public service. In recent developments, the Joe Foss Institute integrated its resources into Arizona State University's Center for American Civics, part of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, to expand in American political thought and sustain its educational tools. This merger preserved the institute's veteran-presentation model while enhancing through university-backed , continuing to prioritize empirical civic competencies over progressive reinterpretations of history.

Defense of Gun Rights and Patriotism

Foss consistently framed the Second Amendment as a cornerstone of American liberty, arguing that restrictions on firearm ownership undermined the freedoms secured by military service and the . In public statements, he questioned the inconsistency of those defending free speech under the First Amendment while seeking to curtail the right to bear arms, asserting, "The thing I haven't figured out yet is why so many of the First Amendment people try to destroy the Second Amendment, because one without the other is like light without darkness." He viewed proposals as distortions of the amendment's clause, which he interpreted as essential for a free state's security against tyranny, rather than a mere regulatory prerequisite for ownership. A notable incident underscoring Foss's personal commitment occurred on February 27, 2002, when, en route to deliver a patriotism-themed speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the 86-year-old veteran was detained at . Security screening revealed a loaded .45-caliber Colt semiautomatic pistol in an ankle holster inside his boot, which Foss carried for amid reported threats linked to his . Holding a valid concealed weapons permit, Foss explained the oversight in forgetting to declare the firearm but emphasized his belief in the right to armed self-protection as a patriotic exercise of constitutional guarantees. Detained for about four hours, including a strip search, he was released without charges after verification of his identity and credentials, though the episode drew criticism from Foss as emblematic of post-9/11 security measures eroding individual rights without enhancing safety. Foss's advocacy intertwined gun rights with patriotism, portraying armed citizenship as a bulwark against threats to national sovereignty, much like his WWII service against authoritarian regimes. He described organizations like the NRA as "patriotic, dedicated" entities resisting legislative encroachments that he believed weakened the republic's foundational defenses. Following his death on January 1, 2003, contemporaries lauded his efforts as pivotal in safeguarding the Second Amendment, crediting him with advancing freedom through principled opposition to disarmament. This stance reflected his broader ethos of civic responsibility, where personal armament ensured collective security and fidelity to the principles of 1776.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Joe Foss was the eldest of three children born to Olouse "Frank" Foss, a Norwegian-American , and Mary Lacey Foss on their family farm near . His siblings included a younger brother and sister, though specific names are not widely documented in primary records. Foss's early family life on the farm instilled values of , which he later credited for shaping his character amid the hardships of the . In August 1942, shortly before deploying for combat, Foss married his high school sweetheart, June Shakstad, a graduate of , in a ceremony that reflected their pre-war Sioux Falls roots. The couple had five children, though two—Joe Jr. and an unnamed infant—died young, leaving three who survived to adulthood: daughters and Mary Joe, and son Frank. Foss and June separated around 1959 after nearly two decades of marriage, with the union formally ending in divorce; June Shakstad Foss passed away in 1989. Foss remarried in 1967 to Donna "Didi" Wild Hall, a native and civic activist whom he met during his separation from June; the couple remained together until his death, blending their families with Foss's three children from his first marriage and Didi's two stepchildren, H. Dean Hall and another. Didi Foss actively supported his post-war endeavors, including advocacy work, and survived him following his passing in 2003. No other significant romantic relationships are recorded in verified biographical accounts.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Foss chaired the National Society for Crippled Children and Adults, the predecessor to Easter Seals, raising $18 million to support services for disabled children. His commitment stemmed from personal experience with childhood disabilities, motivating his leadership in campaigns that expanded rehabilitation and programs nationwide. Foss served as international chairman of Campus Crusade for Christ, an evangelical organization focused on Christian outreach and discipleship, contributing to its global expansion through speaking engagements and fundraising efforts. He also supported youth development initiatives, including an Arizona-based program aiding disadvantaged children with education and recreational opportunities. In collaboration with his wife Donna, Foss established the Joe and Donna Foss Endowment for Youth Education at the NRA Foundation, directing funds toward programs promoting marksmanship, safety training, and character development for young participants. These efforts reflected his broader dedication to community welfare, encompassing advocacy via the President's Council on and various local charities in and .

Later Years and Death

Final Decades and Health

In his later years, Joe Foss resided in , maintaining involvement in advocacy and public speaking into his 80s despite the physical toll of his wartime service and subsequent careers. On October 7, 2002, while visiting , Foss, then 87, suffered a cerebral vascular accident, described in reports as a bleeding or that left him in critical condition and unconscious. He was airlifted for treatment but did not recover, passing away on January 1, 2003, in a Scottsdale nursing facility from complications of the stroke.

Passing and Immediate Tributes

Joseph Jacob Foss died on January 1, 2003, at a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of 87, from complications arising from a severe stroke he had suffered three months earlier. Contemporary obituaries in national publications emphasized Foss's achievements as a Marine Corps with 26 confirmed aerial victories during , recipient, 20th , and president of the . The mourned him as one of its most beloved members, noting his lifelong commitment to firearms rights and patriotism. Governor remarked that Foss had pursued his diverse careers—spanning military service, politics, broadcasting, and advocacy—with characteristic energy and optimism. A memorial service was conducted on January 9, 2003, at Scottsdale Bible Church in . Foss was interred with full military honors at on January 22, 2003, amid light snowfall, as family, fellow veterans, and admirers gathered to commemorate his contributions to American military history and civic life.

Legacy

Military Honors and Records

Joe Foss served as a captain in the United States Marine Corps during , primarily as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) at in the . He achieved 26 confirmed aerial victories against Japanese aircraft, establishing him as the top Marine Corps ace of the war. These victories occurred over a 44-day period, a record unsurpassed by any Marine pilot during the conflict. On October 25, 1942, Foss downed five enemy fighters in two separate missions, marking the first instance of a Marine pilot becoming an "ace in a day." His squadron, known informally as "Foss's Flying Circus," conducted over 60 missions while operating from Henderson Field, facing numerically superior Japanese forces. Foss personally led many engagements, often in the , contributing to the defense of the island against repeated aerial assaults. For his actions from October 9 to November 19, 1942, and on January 15 and 25, 1943, Foss received the , the nation's highest military decoration for valor. The citation commended his "outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty," noting his leadership in downing multiple aircraft despite intense anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighter superiority. President presented the award to Foss in March 1943 at the . In addition to the , Foss earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for aerial combat proficiency and two Air Medals for meritorious achievement in flight. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation, reflecting collective valor in the . Later, as commander of VMF-115 in 1944, Foss continued combat operations, though without additional confirmed victories recorded in primary sources. These honors underscore his pivotal role in early Pacific air superiority efforts.
AwardDate/PeriodReason
Presented March 1943 for actions October 1942–January 1943Heroism in aerial combat over
Distinguished Flying Cross serviceDistinguished aerial operations
(x2) serviceMeritorious flight achievement
Presidential Unit CitationUnit valor in combat

Memorials and Enduring Impact

, located three miles northwest of , has been known as Joe Foss Field since its dedication in honor of Foss's contributions as a , aviator, and former governor. In 2017, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at hosted a dedication for Foss, recognizing his service as a Marine Corps fighter ace and recipient during the . The event featured tributes to his 26 confirmed aerial victories and leadership in Marine Fighting Squadron 121. Foss was interred at in Section 7A following his death on January 1, 2003, where his gravesite serves as a lasting tribute to his military valor, including the awarded for downing 23 Japanese aircraft between October 9 and November 19, 1942. Foss's enduring impact is reflected in multiple hall of fame inductions celebrating his aviation prowess and public service: the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame in 1971, the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 as a special contributor, and the in 1984. These honors underscore his role as a model of and , influencing generations through his advocacy for civic education, Second Amendment rights, and .

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