Plaque tribute to soldier
A plaque has been unveiled to remember a soldier who died in an accident during a New Year’s Eve night out.
Lance Corporal Lee Foley died aged 26 after he fell from the bonnet of a car and hit his head in Merthyr town centre on December 31, 2011, while on leave from duty in Afghanistan.
A name plaque dedicated to L/ Cpl Foley, who was from Penydarren in the town, was unveiled at a ceremony at the Pant War Memorial attended by his parents, the Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil, and soldiers from L/ Cpl Foley’s regiment, the Royal Engineers, on December 31.
L/Cpl Foley’s dad, Paul Foley, 55, said: “The service was marvellous. There was about 50 or 60 people there.
“Everyone said how moving the service was. This is a massive, massive closure of a big, artificial gap that should not be there.
“It’s the last place you want to see your son’s name but I am very proud. The Army and his regiment have been absolutely fantastic.”
Mr Foley said that his son was very modest and rarely spoke of his six years service in the Army.
“Lee received an award from the 101st Airborne Division and a letter from an American General for driving through two enemy firing positions that gave cover to American soldiers.
“I only found out about it after he had died when it was spoken about at his funeral and I found the medal and letter with his belongings.”