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 Captain (Infantry) John A. Cox, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Battalion S-3 (Plans and Operations) for the 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on Hill 700 at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 12 March 1944. On that date, shortly after noon, elements of the Division was stalled in a counterattack up Hill 700, parts of which the enemy had seized from them several days before. Captain Cox crawled up the steep slope of Hill 700 to acquaint himself with the situation at the front. He noted that while other parts of the attacking line had advanced, one portion was held up by a Japanese salient, a wedge-shaped area bout 50 yards in width and 70 yards in depth. Within this area he estimated there were six .25-caliber light machineguns and three .303-caliber heavy machine guns, so placed that they could cover all avenues of approach. Captain Cox also observed that the volume of fire permitted movements of only small groups and that the leading platoon of the nearest company was pinned down with their officer. At this point Captain Cox took command of the situation. He gathered up a group of soldiers in his vicinity, including 10 or 12 from one company and several from another, and placed them in good firing positions. Captain Cox’s outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.