Among the first Kappa’s to give the ultimate sacrifice to the United States during World War II was First Lieutenant John R. Fox. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Fox was born May 18, 1915.
No black soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. A research study was formed to determine if there was a racial disparity in the way Medal of Honor recipients were selected. After the results found that there was disparity, the Army recommended a group of seven soldiers for the Medal of Honor. Fox was one of seven black World War II heroes to receive the award.
In recognition of Black History Month, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. continues to recognize a few of its member's “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor”
Among the first Kappa’s to give the ultimate sacrifice to the United States during World War II was First Lieutenant John R. Fox. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Fox was born May 18, 1915.
Fox transferred to Wilberforce after he was not admitted to the ROTC at the University of Cincinnati. While attending Wilberforce University, Fox became a 1937 initiate of the Delta Chapter and was a participant in the ROTC program. Following graduation in 1940, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry. At the onset of WWII, Fox was called up and assigned as a member of Cannon Company, 366th Infantry Regiment in Italy, a part of the 92nd Division, a Buffalo Soldier.
The Germans attacked his regiment in order to prevent the Allies from capturing Italy in the Italian village of Sommocolonia. While most of the troops were forced to retreat, Fox willingly stayed behind to serve as an observer. From his position on the second floor of a house, Fox ordered direct artillery fire close to his position in order to clear out the Germans, who were in close proximity in the streets.
Fox was well aware the artillery fire would mean his demise. He confirmed his order via radio, “Fire it. There’s more of them than there is of us.” The full arsenal of 75 heavy caliber artillery guns bombarded the target, reducing the houses to rubble, instantly killing Fox, along with nearly 100 German soldiers. He was killed in action on December 26, 1944.
Fox’s selfless actions caused the Germans to halt their advances, giving the American soldiers time to regroup and stage a successful counterattack. After the war the citizens of Sommocolonia erected a monument to nine men who were killed during the artillery barrage - eight Italian soldiers, and Lieutenant Fox.
No black soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. A research study was formed to determine if there was a racial disparity in the way Medal of Honor recipients were selected. After the results found that there was disparity, the Army recommended a group of seven soldiers for the Medal of Honor. Fox was one of seven black World War II heroes to receive the award.
Fox became the Fraternity's only winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor – presented posthumously by President Bill Clinton. Even so, it was 53 years in coming. Fox’s deferred 1982 Distinguished Service Cross award was upgraded to this most deserving honor. After a review of the record, the Congressional Medal of Honor – the highest medal for valor in combat was presented to Arlene Fox, his widow, in Washington, January 13, 1997 in the presence of his daughter, Sandra Fox-Charles and sister, Jane Fox-Pope.
Fox was awarded with the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman Badge. Fox was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame in 1997. In 2005, the Hasbro toy company introduced a 12-inch action figure "commemorating Lt. John R. Fox as part of its G.I. Joe Medal-of-Honor series. American Legion Post 631, located in Fox's birthplace of Cincinnati, Ohio, is named in Fox’s memory.
Kevin Scott
Grand Historian
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