Paul Frederick Foster

Led his landing company through enemy fire at Veracruz

Paul Frederick Foster earned the Medal of Honor for leading sailors in battle during the U.S. intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, on 21–22 April 1914. An ensign serving aboard USS Utah, he commanded the 3rd Company of the battleship’s landing battalion. Across both days of fighting, he remained at the head of his men, displaying the skill and courage recognized in his official citation.

Born on 25 March 1889 in Wichita, Kansas, Foster graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1911. His early assignments included the armored cruiser USS Washington and the battleship USS Utah. He received his Medal of Honor on 24 January 1916 at the New York Naval Shipyard.

Foster subsequently entered the submarine service, commanding USS G-4 before deploying to Ireland during the First World War. As commander of USS L-2, he earned the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for an encounter with a German submarine on 10 July 1918.

His courage was tested again aboard the light cruiser USS Trenton. On 20 October 1924, while serving as engineering officer, he helped save crewmen after a turret explosion and fire. His actions earned the Navy Cross, making him the first person to receive the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross and Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

Recalled to active duty during the Second World War, Foster served in naval logistics and inspection appointments, including assistant naval inspector general. He retired with the rank of vice admiral in December 1946.

His public service continued in civilian life. He joined the Atomic Energy Commission in 1954 and later represented the United States at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna with the rank of ambassador.

Foster died on 30 January 1972 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, aged 82, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The destroyer USS Paul F. Foster (DD-964), commissioned in 1976, was named in his honor.