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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant John J. Cox (ASN: 551705), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Cunel, France, 9 October 1918. Sergeant Cox bravely took command of Company I after all officers of his company had been killed or wounded. He quickly reorganized the company and, in the face of heavy machine-gun fire, led the company forward to its objective. He consolidated his position and held the line until relieved the following day.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 16, 1918
    Headquarters, 3d Division, A.E.F., Citation Orders No. 22 (July 8, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant John J. Cox (ASN: 551705), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company I, 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during the fighting on the Marne, near Crezancy, France, on 16 July 1918, Sergeant Cox showed particular attention to duty as a member of a patrol, sent out to capture a machine gun which was flanking one of our forward positions. By his courage and persisting in continuing to crawl forward in the face of the fire from this gun, he succeeded in capturing it.