In this event for AHF members, Don Fox will discuss the accomplishments of the men who served as Patton’s vanguard throughout the 1944-45 campaign, from the Normandy breakout to their final engagement in Czechoslovakia. Among the featured battles and events are Troyes, Arracourt, the relief of Major General Wood (the beloved commanding general of the division), the drive to relieve Bastogne, the controversial Hammelburg Raid, and the fascinating events in Czechoslovakia involving General Andrey Vlasoz’s Russian Liberation Army.

Don Fox is the author of the two-volume unit history of the United States Army Fourth Armored, “Patton’s Vanguard” (2003) and “Final Battles of Patton’s Vanguard” (2020). A third title, “You’re a Good Man, Sergeant” (a collaboration with the late Sgt. Paul Porter of the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion) will be published in 2024. In his foreword to the first book, the acclaimed historian Martin Blumenson wrote, “Don Fox’s history of the division does it honor. His account, mainly small unit action, is the best description of combat I have ever read.” Fox served for 50 years in the restaurant industry. Most notably, he is the former CEO of Firehouse Subs, having led the brand from 2009 until his retirement at the end of 2023. He was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as 2011’s Operator of the Year. In 2013, he received the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Don continues to serve on several profit and nonprofit boards, including the Army Historical Foundation.