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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign George Emerson Cox, Jr. (NSN: 0-96582), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MBT-3), when that vessel together with the U.S.S. PT THIRTY-FOUR (PT-34) made an effective torpedo attack on a Japanese KUMA class light cruiser screened by four enemy destroyers. Despite heavy shell fire opposition and having expended all his torpedoes, Ensign Cox attacked with machine gun fire on the disengaged side of the cruiser thereby drawing the hostile fire from the PT-34. His actions in thus heroically exposing his position to aid materially in the attack of the accompanying Motor Torpedo Boat, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 (MTB-3)

    Action Date:

    March 11 – 13, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Order No. 43 (March 15, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Ensign George Emerson Cox, Jr. (NSN: 0-96582), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), from 11 to 13 March 1942, in the Philippine Islands during a extraordinary action in a retrograde maneuver involving General Douglas MacArthur. With marked skill and coolness, Ensign Cox performed this mission of major strategic importance and of a most hazardous nature in the face of greatly superior enemy forces. His conduct throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Batallion:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3

    Division:

    Motor Torpedo Boat Forty-One (PT-41)

    Action Date:

    April 8 & 9, 1942
    Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 3 (April 29, 1942)

    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 Ensign George Emerson Cox, Jr. (NSN: 0-96582), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MTB-3), Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), in action against enemy forces on the night of 8 and 9 April 1942, in the Mindanao Sea, Philippine Islands. When two vessels of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE encountered hostile naval vessels on the night of 8 – 9 April, Ensign Cox, commanding the U.S.S. PT FORTY-ONE (PT-41) delivered an effective torpedo attack on an enemy cruiser at close range, in the known presence of another enemy vessel. Having expended all his torpedoes, he heroically attacked the cruiser with machine gun fire on its disengaged side so as to draw the hostile fire to his vessel and away from the second torpedo boat of his squadron to facilitate its delivery of a torpedo at close quarters. Ensign Cox, perceiving that a second enemy ship was moving to engage his companion vessel, maneuvered his ship to divert the enemy attention, firing short bursts from his machine guns from various positions without regard to his own safety. This heroic exposure of his position permitted the successful deliver of the torpedo attack although it subjected his ship to heavy enemy fire.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    May – December 1943
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant George Emerson Cox, Jr. (NSN: 0-96582), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy. As Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE (PT-135) from May through December 1943, he made more than 50 combat patrols against Japanese barge traffic along the north coast of New Guinea and south coast of New Britain. Despite heavy fire from shore batteries and bombing and strafing attacks by enemy aircraft he aggressively pursued and destroyed seven armed enemy barges loaded with troops and supplies, with four more probably sunk. On 29 July 1943, in company with three PT’s which because of positions were unable to join the action, he proceeded to close with the enemy in the face of heavy and accurate return fire from shore batteries which twice scored hits on his boat. The resolution and boldness with which he pressed home the attack resulted in the destruction of three enemy barges and probably extensive loss of enemy personnel. His action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.