The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Richard Cox, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. YMS-24, during minesweeping operations in support of the invasion of Southern France on 16 August 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cox took charge when his commanding officer became a casualty and labored to save his ship after her bow had been blown off by a mine. Failing in this, he directed the removal of the wounded and risked his life by entering every compartment in search of missing or trapped men. When another mine exploded under the stern of one of the rescue vessels alongside, he jumped into the water between the two foundering craft and rescued a critically injured man who was in danger of drowning. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cox throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.