Joe Foss

Your grandfather was mentioned by my father when he was talking about his tour of duty in Espírito Santo in 1942. Dad was a first day machinist mate assigned to repair an aircraft. The pilot of that plane was Capt. Joe Foss. Dad said the pilot was extremely polite and memorable. Later he heard that Foss was elected governor of South Dakota.
I just thought I’d mention the short connection we have. So sorry for your loss.

I have a artist rendition of a portrait of your grandfather. I was wondering if you want it.

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

You were one of the greatest of the greatest generation.

I look forward to meeting Joe Foss in Heaven.

Please note the passing of Col. Thomas Furlow, Joe's wingman, on 19 June 2007. Col. Furlow also went on to command the "Black Sheep" squadron.

Shortly after graduating from pilot training in Sept 56 and returning to the SDANG as a brand new 2nd Lt I met Joe Foss.About 6 months later when he made a return visit and remembered my name it was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Colonel Donald Knutson, USAF Ret.

It has been a while. I would like only to express the deep honor I felt to serve as an honor guard at General Foss' funeral many years ago. I was a Private first class and new to the Marines at the time. I had the pleasure of speaking to several Medal of Honor winning heroes at the funeral and was in awe of their humble stoic demeanor. I have since faught my own war and finished my time in the Marine Corps and began a carrer and family but i still look back on that day as one of the deepest honors i have ever felt being able to pay credit to such a hero and being the in presence of such great men.

Semper Fidelis. Sgt Ryan Neville

I had the pleasure of this man's company twice before he passed from us. He was all the things said about him in his obituary.I never met a kinder, gentler man than General Joe Foss. He made me feel as though we had know each other for years. He even authographed his book for me, something I will treasur always

Joe has been inspirational to me growing up in Sioux Falls, SD and now to my children who met him at All Saints Episcopal Day School. His "can-do", reach for your dreams attitude made a difference in my life. He embraced life here on earch and the promise of eternal life with Christ to the fullest.



Thanks for the opportunity to share thoughts about Joe, and the gift he has been to my life and the life of my children.



Steve Stenson

It was our pleasure and privilege to assist your father in "going home". Scott AFB Critical Care Air Transport teams salutes General Foss and his family for their service to our country's freedom. In Christ, James W. Haynes, MD

Didi and Coni, a lot of years have past since the first time I met all of you. I count it an honor to have known all of the Foss family. I will miss walking into 2nd service at SBC and seeing Joe's smile,receiving a hardy hand shake and the latest hunting stories. I love the boldness of Joe's witness for the Lord that he loved and is now in the presents of. He will always be a hero to me and when ever thought of, will help give boldness to my witness. May God Bless you and know that there has been and will continue to be many prayers said for you. Larry ><>

Joe's funeral was as much of a blessing as his life with the clear presentation of the gospel. the tape of his funeral will be shown to 5500 sailers on a US warship thru the efforts of one of my clients. This would please Joe so very much. Our love to the family. Howie and Sharon Berg

Joe Foss was a man to be admired; a man who stood tall with qualities of bravery,wisdom, humility,love of country and respect for his fellow man. He was an example of how to live life and make the world a better place.

In memory of the Joe Foss we admire, respect, and revere.

I had the honor to meet and talk with the Governor during the Inaugural of President Richard Nixon in 1968.



Governor Foss was a guest of honor at a reception for all winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor.



He was a great patriot and a wonderful man.



Our nation is richer because of his life.

We have lost one of the truly great Americans. His spirit and character will always serve as reminders of the best we can be. We will be forever honored that Joe Foss was one of the first inductees of the Commemorative Air Force American Combat Airman Hall of Fame.

With deepest regards from one pilot to another in World War II and the

Korean War. You did it well.

My Heros have always been and always will be Aviators! Joe Foss is one our country's greatest heros of all! You will be respectfully missed by all of us American Veterans and NRA Members! May God Bless you and your family, Sir!



Steven E. Dowiat

Mesa, Arizona

NRA Benefactor Member

At our recent NRA Board of Directors meeting in Corpus Christi, I was painfully aware of the absence of our fellow member, friend and great American, Joe Foss. I am greatful that I had the opportunity to meet this American legend and to be entertained by his intelligence and his wit. My condolences to his wife, Didi, and to the rest of his family. General Joe Foss will be remembered!



David A. Oliver, M.D.

NRA Board of Directors

28 January 2003

Our sincere condolensences go to the Foss Family. We were originally from Pieere South Dakota my mother's maiden name is Nold.

I had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Papa Joe through his granddaughter, Misty. He was an extraordinary man - so many incredible accomplishments in one lifetime. We could all learn something from how this wonderful man lived his life. I challenge that each of you remember something you learned from Joe or admired him for and put it to action in your life. He is truly An American Hero. They just don't make 'em like Joe anymore.

JOE WAS A FRIEND OF MY FATHER,

C.F.(CHUCK)FLOOD,A FRIEND OF THE

FLOOD FAMILY AND A FRIEND OF MINE. JOE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHOM HAD

THE FORTUNE OF KNOWING HIM.

JEFF FLOOD - NO. MANKATO, MN

Semper Fi

I have the honor of being Joe's and DiDi's great nephew. Thanks Uncle Joe for all the war and hunting stories you told us. Spending time with you and Aunt DiDi is the highlight of my life. I will never forget the good times. You really are my and all my family from Michigan's hero. Thanks Aunt DiDi for the good times in D.C. Love you guys.

How proud I am to have been a Marine

during WWII, knowing there were such as you alongside me!

A special kind of man that stood for good things in life. I was fotunate to hear him speak, meet him and read his book. Joe's life is an example for us all. He has touched so many lives on Earth and we owe our way of life to people like him who fought for our freedom. Thank God for Joe Foss. He is home with the Lord now but never forgotten.

Fair Winds and following seas in your new journey, Sir. We wish our son, a Cpl in the USMC, who is going to Bahrain, could have met you. Your strength, leadership, humanity and service to your country was unsurpassed.

God speed and Semper Fi!

Capt William C Milroy MC USN (Ret)

Capt Rosanne Milroy NC USNR

Just read in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader of his burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Quite a line-up of Great Americans he is within steps of: General Doolittle, "Pappy" Boyington, Lee Marvin, Joe Louis. Not bad company for a South Dakota lad, and one heck of a line-up up there.

Joe Foss is truly an American hero! Thank you for all of your service and Semper Fi!

I served in Guadalcanal, and I thank General Joe Foss for saving me and my unit when we were being attacked. At 92, I know that those who served in WWII are disappearing, and I'm thankful that men like Joe Foss served our country with honor until death. It was my honor to serve with him and to meet him. He was a great man.

WE SALUTE YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO

YOUR COUNTRY.



CHIEF WOODY

NAVY 65-93

Many thanks for all you touched so well. We all miss you. Sincerely, Hallie..Mrs South Dakota 1961.

When Joe was President of the NRA, I was lucky enough to work for him in our beloved organization. I could always go to Joe's office and discuss anything with him. He was a great man and always had a wise and profound comment to make that made sense. I would return from his office with a renewed vigor and sense of purpose. I am priveleged to have met and interacted with a true American Hero. God bless you, Joe. I will never forget you.

General Foss not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. This man lived up to the things he said and that makes him a rare man indeed. We must strive to live up to his ideals and in doing so, we will make this a better place.

Joe Foss, my first hero, which led me to a 30 year career in Naval Aviation. No need to check six again, all that you meet now are friedlies. I proudly salute you and your service to the country. AMERICA NEEDS MEN LIKE YOU NOW! May you rest in peace.

Semper Fi!

Joe, as a North Dakota farm boy and

later living in Sioux Falls, SD, within a mile of your birth place,

you gave me my first job after leaving the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot in VMF 311. Thank you.

We will miss you, Joe. You were the best of warriors--utterly principled, courageous, and magnanimous. You had a passion for life, and a passion for God. He has taken you Home to be with Him, saying "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Blessings on your precious Didi.



Tim Stoen

My father met Major Foss in the New Hebrides, during WWII, and told me stories about him and the other great Marine Pilots. When I got to meet Major Foss a few years ago, his courtly manners and consummate grace humbled me. Major Foss has been one of my heroes and role models for 40+ years, along with my Dad.



I could never have chosen more wisely! Vaya con Dios, Honored Sir.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Foss, and as a former Marine I can say that he was a true gentleman and a real American hero. I'll never forget him. Semper Fidelis.

It's men like him that made this country safe for us and they did it with God's blessing and protection. I look forward to meeting him in the next life! They don't make them like him anymore!

There weren't many people like Joe. I will miss listening to him the Friends of the NRA Annual Banquets which he gave his time, possessions and self to. But Joe was the kind of person who gave his self to in just about everything he did. War hero, politican and benefactor. He was an inspiration to my father, myself, and my son. I can only hope that my son's son remembers him and what he stood for.

God's speed Joe.

Thanks for giving me the right to live the way I do.

You gave your all in war and peace.



Semper Fi

Every boy needs heros, manhood doesn't change this I could not have picked a better hero than Joe.

Semper Fi

Joe was my Hero as a kid growing up in Chicago during WWII. Little did I know then that I too would become a Marine pilot and serve in VMF(AW)115 and that I would meet Joe at the 115 re-union in Santa Barbara later. Til we meet again in the Big Ready Room in the sky- Semper Fi!

Perry Kopf

Joe exemplified what it is to be a true American. He was not just a hero, but a man of strong moral values.He will be missed.

Didi, my deepest sympathy.

A legend I always heard about and would have loved to have had the priviledge to meet. A true hero.

Semper Fi

To have soared where angels dare... to have lived in the clouds... Farewell

Good bye old friend. May the rest of your flights be a good ones.

On behalf of my dear departed parents (John and Reva Davies), I know Joe made it to Heaven. Thanks to Gen. Foss for getting the SD ARNG going and inviting my Dad in as a ground pounder. I understand that Joe and my Dad went to USD together and probably worked in the same Sorority serving meals--what a deal. I know my Mom and Mrs. Foss were close. My prayers go out to her and their children. Dr. John Davies Jr., Defense Information Systems Agency, Arlington, VA.

I learned about Joe Foss when I was a young boy from my parents who both served in World War II- my Mom having met him in the South Pacific during the war. He set a real example of citizenship and service to his fellow man for all of us. Semper Fidelis and God bless you and your family.

A TRUE HERO,AMERICA, NOW GOD,NEED MORE MEN LIKE YOU!

Your name and your acomplishments were an inspiration to me during a 20 year flying career in the Corps.

Thank You and may God be with you.

I salute you. May God Bless. WW2 Veteran

Army Air Corps.

Greetings From Downtown Enterprise

-- Good Afternoon To The Foss Family



RIP a great American and Check Six !!!

Godspeed, Joe Foss.

Didi and Family - We were proud to call Joe a friend. He was an inspiration to us in our daily lives, and our fond memories of him will continue to do the same for many days to come. We love you all. Sempre Fi! and may God bless you always!

Thank you,Joe.

This Old Navy Chief proudly salutes you and your service to country.

I heard about you,and read about your acomplishments before I Joined the Marines in 1946,and I still read about you in awe.

Joe - God be with you. From an old

salt (USS ENTERPRISE- CV6)

A GREAT MAN, A GREAT PERSON, REST IN PEACE.

Truely a great American and Marine. Semper Fi, Col. Joseph Della-Corte, U. S. Marine Corps (ret.)

It was an honor and real pleasure for me to have had several opportunities to meet with and talk with Joe Foss. History will record him as one of this nation's true heroes.

Semper Fi, Thank You for all you have given.

A great leader, a great man, and an inspiration for those who believe in the American way of life.

Semper Fi, Joe

When I met Mr. Foss, I immediately knew that I was in the presence of a true American hero. I also immediately knew he was a humble and honest country gentleman. I am honored that I was able to meet you and shake your hand, Mr. Foss. My condolences to Mr. Foss's family and this Country for its great loss.

My heroes have always been the men and women of America who have served their country,their Communities, their families and themselves with the kind of Patriotism, Devotion and Faith that somehow goes beyond the level of extroidinary. Joe Foss achieved hero status in all categories. I feel blessed to have known Joe Foss and to have had the opportunity to serve with him on the N.R.A. Board of Directors. My most respectful condolences to Dede and Joes family. He made a diferrence and will be missed.

I did not know him personally, but he was and still is a true hero. As a former U.S. Marine sergeant, I wish his legacy lives on.

Semper Fi,

You were a true patriot.

Joe was an inspiration to all of us, a great guy, and a role model for all American kids. He was for me. Thank God for men like Joe Foss.

I heard about Joe Foss and Marines on the ground putting up a great fight against the Japanese at Guadalcanal, that I joined the Marine Corps in Dec.1942 and spent rest of war in Pacific helping to carrying on the great tradition of the Marine Corps. Thank you Joe, for it was you who made me proud that I was a Marine.

I first "met" Joe watching The American Sportsman during medical school. I was already a pilot. I met him in the flesh 3 years ago at Grace Bible Church, Sun City. We spoke for quite some time sharing stories. I treasure my copy of his autographed autobiography and have already given it to my grandson. He was a model for all of us who served in our country's military.

Joe's departure from this realm is cause for celebration of his extraordinary 87 years. Just imagine the joyous reunion they're holding "upstairs," far, far above the contrail level! Didi, Dean, and Coni, we look forward to seeing you even more often from now on.

I didn't know you SIR, but I thank you for what you did for all of us in this wonderful United States.

Rest in peace.

God's speed Joe.

It was in grammar school when I first read of Joe's exploits and quickly knew he was a true American, hero, aviator, hunter, sprotsman and all those other things that make a true American. I followed his rise in the NRA - what a great leader!!! If we only had more!!

Thoms H.E. Drinkwater

LTC, USAR (Ret)

NRA Patron Member

Joe Foss was my friend; and one of my heroes. I won't ever forget the times we shared; or the values he epitomized. Ernie P.

I did not know you Joe but this country needs icons like you now more than ever. Thanks for the life you lived and the honor and faith you showed us all how to live by. May your deeds and memories live on forever in others, especially the young. From an AF pilot to a Marine, Semper Fi my friend.

I'm sorry we never met Joe. We will miss you.



Bernie



p.s. You were already on our MCL Newsletter calendar (North Central Massachusetts) for downing those three enemy planes on January 15, 1943; for a total of 26. Semper Fi !

Semper Fi,



Ruthie and Hap Langstaff(USMC Ret)

A real gentleman has been welcomed into heaven.

Joe Foss epitomized what it means to be an American. He was a genuine hero - a man of honor, integrity, courage and commitment who never hesitated to step forward and stand tall when it mattered. It was a personal honor to have had the privilege to call Joe my friend and to serve on the NRA board of directors with him. My condolences and very best wishes to Didi and the entire Foss family.

I'll never forget the talks we had, and the good you did.

We'll all miss you.

You'll be sorely missed in this world.

My husband, "JW" Whitmarsh, also a Marine, who is now deceased, spoke of Joe often and always expressed how much respect he had for him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joe's family.

As an officer in the Marine Corps League, Gooney Bird Det. in New Milford, New Jersey, I just want to say Joe Foss is flying high again and watching over America as he did before. God Bless you Joe.

It was a pure pleasure to know and serve with you on the NRA Board of Directors these past 10 years. I hope to be good enough to see you again. Semper Fi Joe!

I wish we could clone millions just like you Joe, a great American with blood, guts, and glory.



Your admiring friend,



Jim Nicholson

I first heard of Joe Foss just after arriving at MCRD, San Diego, in August, 1957. What a great American! I am glad that I had the opportunity to serve in the same Marine Corps as he. Semper Fi, General.

I wish you fair skies and a following sea General Foss. You are a true American hero. A legend and role model in our Corps to emulate for all time. God bless you, and Semper Fi. - Mustang Captain Fred E. "Dutch" White, USMC (Ret) 1958 - 1985

Didi, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My friendship with Joe and our service together on the NRA Board of Directors, will be my most cherished of memories.



God Bless You and God Bless America.



Dwight

Con Dios.