NRA-ILA | WWII Flying Ace Defined Patriotism for Generations

WWII Flying Ace Defined Patriotism for Generations

Thursday, January 2, 2003

FAIRFAX, VA -- "He was an ace fighter pilot, a state governor, a war hero, a TV star, a sports commissioner, a Christian leader and a man beloved by all. And, he was our president," NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre said today in memory of General Joe Foss who died yesterday. He was 87. "General Foss was a true patriot, in every sense of the word," continued LaPierre. "He will forever be remembered as someone who epitomized courage, fidelity and honor. His loss is shared by freedom loving people throughout our nation. I will miss my friend." "The passing of Joe Foss is a great loss for our nation and all Americans who were enriched by his love of country, integrity, duty and ever-cheerful inspiration. Patrick Henry once said that honor is a gift a man must bestow upon himself. I have known no man of more honor than Joe Foss. I will miss his smile, his laughter and his friendship," said legendary actor and NRA President Charlton Heston. General Foss` life was one of meritorious distinction. A few of his achievements were:

Medal of Honor recipient Distinguished Flying Cross recipient Founder, South Dakota Air National Guard Governor, South Dakota, 1954-1958 Representative, South Dakota Legislature, 1948-1953 Commissioner, American Football League, 1959-1966 Husband, Father and Grandfather

"General Foss defined heroism for servicemen since World War II. And for generations, he made American patriotism something to be proud of. He fought for what he believed in, and those causes are better for it," LaPierre concluded. The prayers and blessings of the entire National Rifle Association family are with the Foss family during this most difficult time. - - n r a - -

TRENDING NOW

United Nation’s Attack on Ammunition Formally Begins

News

Monday, July 7, 2025

United Nation’s Attack on Ammunition Formally Begins

The recently concluded negotiations on the United Nations’ Global Framework on Through-Life Conventional Ammunition Management (Framework) should be of grave concern to anyone who values the constitutional protections afforded by the Second Amendment.

U.K. Embarks on Fresh Knife Amnesty, Reminds Americans Why 1776 was a Good Idea

News

Monday, July 7, 2025

U.K. Embarks on Fresh Knife Amnesty, Reminds Americans Why 1776 was a Good Idea

It has been a while since we’ve looked at weapon news from across the pond, but with Americans everywhere having just celebrated the Glorious Fourth and our independence from British monarchy, the timing seems particular ...

Legal & Legislation

Monday, July 7, 2025

NRA and 2A Allies Announce NFA Lawsuit

Following the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—which eliminates the National Firearms Act of 1934’s (NFA) excise tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and AOWs—the National Rifle Association issued a joint statement along with the ...

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

News

Legal & Legislation

Friday, July 4, 2025

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

Earlier today, on the 4th of July, a day on which our Founding Fathers declared their intent for a free nation, the President of the United State of America, Donald Trump, signed the “One Big ...

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

News

Second Amendment

Legal & Legislation

Thursday, May 22, 2025

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1 the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, completely removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

Quick Links

WWII Flying Ace Defined Patriotism for Generations

More Like This From Around The NRA