The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) William C. Cox (ASN: 0-377886), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 9 August 1944, in France. Lieutenant Colonel Cox was commanding a task force assigned the mission of stopping a large scale enemy counteroffensive by which the hostile troops hoped to separate American armies operating on two French peninsulas. By his outstanding leadership and coolness under fire. The mission was successfully accomplished. Lieutenant Colonel Cox remained with the most advanced elements of his troops throughout the fight and was continually exposed to heavy enemy fire. The leadership and personal bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Cox on this occasion inspired his troops to their maximum efforts and are in keeping with the highest traditions of Armed Forces.