Meet Sergeant Ed Fox

Today is Memorial Day. It’s the day we honor all who lost their lives serving in our country’s armed forces. On this special day, I’d like to introduce you to my special friend, Sergeant Ed Fox.

Sergeant Fox has the honor of being the oldest known survivor of the Battle of Midway. On June 4, 1942, Sergeant Fox was Private First Class in the 6th Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force stationed at Midway when the Japanese attacked.

The Japanese fleet was defeated at Midway. Historians say keeping the Japanese from taking Midway was a turning point in the war. U.S. forces held strong, but 147 U.S. war planes went down. And 307 men were lost.

Seventy-nine years after the Battle of Midway, 97-year-old Sergeant Fox has one goal: to tell the stories of those who aren’t here to tell their stories themselves. If there’s one thing I’ve heard him say more than any other, it’s this: “Let me tell you what they did.”

Why is Sergeant Fox so intent on telling the stories of these courageous men?

To Honor Their Legacies

When Sergent Fox tells the stories of his friends and fellow servicemen who lost their lives on Midway, he honors them. He shares their stories at every opportunity, and he works diligently to see that their brave and heroic service, their legacies are honored. Because of the sacrifices they made, our liberties and freedoms were held secure.

To Give Their Sacrifice Greater Meaning

Sergeant Fox regularly speaks to students and young men and women. He tells stories of courage and dedication to a cause much bigger than those who fought for it. When he shares these stories, he gives his audiences courage and passion of their own, for whatever battles they fight or causes they’ll serve.

To Keep Their Memories Alive

The Battle of Midway was a turning point in the war. Because of the dedication, diligence, bravery and sacrifice, the Japanese were held back and kept from gaining ground. Sergeant Fox shares the stories of the men who died so we don’t just remember the Battle, but so we remember that the Battle was won by individual men who fought individually and sacrificed all they had to give.

Sharing your story is the best path to the meaning and impact you were made for.

Sometimes, sharing your story is sharing their story.

Today, we honor those who gave everything to ensure our freedom. And we pray for those currently serving and the families at home whose sacrifice is also great. May God keep them safe and in perfect peace.