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COL Peter John Foss
USA (Retired) - Cullum 18304
April 16, 1929 - June 09, 2007

Eulogy by Michael Foss

Salem Evening News Obituary

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Pete and Marie Foss

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Peter John "Pete" Foss was born in Litchfield MN on 16 April 1929 and was appointed to West Point from the 6th Congressional District. His Dad was a World War One vet; three of his brothers and a sister served in the Army.

His West Point classmates recall: "Well, I know I'm right and I don't care how many P's disagree". Such was the basis of many a conflict between Pete and the Academic Department. A man of strong convictions and an inveterate yarn spinner, Pete has brightened many a bull session. Possessed of considerate athletic ability, he preferred bloody intramural battles and sports writing to the sack. We have enjoyed knowing him, the Army will too".

During his cadet days, Pete was an Acolyte at the Catholic Chapel, on the Sports Writer Detail and spotted sports events for radio and television networks all four years at West Point; went out for Soccer; captained and coached the Regimental football intramural champions; was on the Public Information Detail, plebe and yearling years; was Sports Editor on the Howitzer Staff, cow and first class years; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year.

Upon graduation, he chose the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course and Parachute Training at Fort Benning, GA, went to Camp Roberts, CA as Instructor in the Leaders' Course. In early 1952, he serveded as Platoon Leader, Assistant Regimental S-3, and then commanded Co I and later Co K with the 5th Regimental Combat Team in Korea where he served an extended combat tour until 1953, earning the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against the enemy and the Combat Infantryman Badge. From 1953, Pete served with the 511th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell KY, "gyroscopng" with his Company to Augsburg, Germany (1956 to 1959). While in Augsburg, he served with his younger brother and his sister was an Army nurse. He was awarded the Commendation Ribbon upon completion of this duty.

From 1960 to 1964, Pete served as Assistant Professor of Military Science at LaSalle Military Academy at Oakdale, Long Island, New York. (Three of his ROTC cadets rose to general officer rank.) Upon completion of Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth KS in 1965, Pete received orders to Korea where he served as Assistant G-1, Eighth Army until 1966. In 1968 Pete received his Masters degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and then was assigned as the Information Officer for the 32nd Air Defense Command in Kaiserslautern, Germany and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service.

In 1969, after only ten months in Germany, Pete was sent to Viet Nam where he had three assignments: Brigade Executive Officer and Battalion Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division; and then Battalion Commander with the Americal Division after an extension of his tour of duty. Pete was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services, three additional Bronze Star Medals (one for valor) for distinguished heroism against the enemy; 5 Air Medals (one for valor) for distinguished service and his second Combat Infantryman Badge. From 1970 to 1971, Pete was the Information Officer at The Infantry Center, Fort Benning GA where he handled the Press Center for the My Lai Court Martial (over 100 news people daily) and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Pete's next assignment was in the office of the Chief of Information (at the Pentagon from 1971 to 1973) where he prepared the Public Affairs Plan for the return of the POWs in 1973.

He retired from the United States Army as a Colonel and was awarded a second Legion Of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

He is proud of his command tours; (CO of six companies - Co I and Co K of 5th Inf, Co B- of 511th Abn, Co A - 505 Abn , Co A-34th Inf, Hq Co 39th Trans Bn) Co of 508 Abn Bn, HQ Inf Bn in Vietnam.

After retirement in 1973, Pete became a college professor in the Media and Communications Department at North Shore Community College, Beverly MA, becoming department chair in 1975. Peter and his wife, Marie, make their home in Rockport MA. where he served as Rockport's representative on the vocational school board for six years (1975 - 1981), helping establish a regional vocational school for 15 towns on the North Shore.

The November 1997 Assembly notes, "Pete and Marie enjoy life on the Atlantic shore in Rockport MA. They have three married children and delight in their five grandchildren. Pete has retired from full time teaching but still teaches one evening class and subs in the local school system as needed. He writes a guest column for our local paper and also guest lectures on "The Conflicts between the Press and the Courts" (an expertise he mastered while handling the Lt Calley Court Martial). Marie has retired as administrator at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge MA and is involved in a number of volunteer activities.

Pete also taught one class at North Shore Community College until 2005. He was named Professor Emeritus of the College in 2003.

Pete had a total knee replacement in 1996 with an excellent recovery".

Pete's brother, John (USMA 1956) retired as a four star. Both served in Viet Nam in 1969-1970.

July 2006
Front Row - Left to Right - Peter J. Foss, Marie E. Foss
Back Row - Left to Right - Deborah M. Cox, Peter Michael (Mike) Foss, and Mary Foss Murphy

51st Anniversary Pictures

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