PFC US Army, 9th Division. Killed in action May 14, 1968. Attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Time in Vietnam – three weeks. Time in the Army – seven months. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Military Merit Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm. Citation for Congressional Medal of Honor: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. PFC Fous distinguished himself at the risk of his life while serving as a rifleman with Company E. PFC Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. PFC Fous, together with three other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a wood line. PFC Fous detected three Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing two of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into PFC Fous’ position. Without hesitation, PFC Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the three men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. PFC Fous’ conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit the US Army.
