Legend Joseph Foss
American Hero | 1978 INDUCTEE
Joseph Jacob Foss was a brave and impressive guy! He was born on April 17, 1915, on a farm near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When World War II happened, Joe became a top pilot for the U.S. Marines and did many heroic things. Later he became the youngest governor of South Dakota when he was 39 years old.
But that's not all! Joe was also the first commissioner (the boss) of a football league called the American Football League. He also he talked on TV as a broadcaster, became the President of the National Rifle Association and was a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force.
When Joe was a kid, he lived on a farm with his family. When he was 11, his dad took him to see an air show, and there he saw his big hero, Charles Lindbergh, who flew the famous plane called the Spirit of St. Louis. After taking his first airplane ride for just $1.50 with his dad, Joe knew he wanted to be a pilot when he grew up.
A brief biography of general joe foss presented by the Joe Foss Institute
General Joe Foss showing leadership in the military, politics and civic life
While in the Military, Joe was the Recipient of Two Important Awards
The Congressional Medal of Honor (The United States highest award for miliary valor) and The Distinguished Flying Cross.
Joe receiving the Medal of Honor from President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Joe Foss Led an Incredible Life
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In 1943 Brigadier General Joseph J. Foss was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor.
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Joe Foss was appointed to form the South Dakota Air National Guard in 1946.
Learn the history of the South Dakota Air National Guard here.
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Joe Foss served as Commissioner of the American Football League (AFL) from 1959-66.
On December 6, 1963, Joe sent a letter to the National Football League (NFL) Commissioner, Pete Roselle, proposing a joint game between the two leagues, which eventually became the Super Bowl! Read the letter Joe sent here.
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Joe was the 20th Governor of South Dakota from 1955-59.
Listen to Governor Joe Foss audio biography on the Trail of Governors website here.
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General Joseph J. Foss was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery (Section 7A, Grave 162) on January 23, 2003.
Click the image to read Joe’s letter
AFL All Star Game - January 19, 1964
More of Joe’s Accomplishments Over His Lifetime
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Joe hosted and produced the syndicated TV series “The Outdoorsman: Joe Foss.”
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In 1972, Joe began a six-year stint as Director of Public Affairs for Royal Dutch Airlines.
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Joe Foss served as President for the National Rifle Association from 1988-1990.
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Joe founded the Joe Foss Institute a nonprofit organization in the United States that promotes civic education programs.
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1991: Top Guns: America’s Fighter Aces Tell Their Stories.
1944: Joe Foss Flying Marine: The Story of His Flying Circus (As Told To Walter Simmons)
2002: A Proud American: The Autobiography of Joe Foss
(1989). [Photograph of Joe Foss as President of the NRA]. NRA - America’s 1st Freedom.
Reflection:
What dream did Joe have early in life?
What dreams do you have?
Joe led a life of service as he was in the United States Marien Corp Reserves where he flew dangerous missions during World War II. He also became a Brigadier General in the Air Force and later in life was elected Governor of South Dakota.
What does it mean to lead a life of service?
What leadership characteristics do you think Joe must have had?
What challenges did Joe face in his life?
What challenges do you have in your life?
How does Joe’s story motivate you?
