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After earning the Distinguished Service Cross in 1943, Leonard Cox was subsequently Missing In Action after a mission in 1945 while serving with the 869th Bombardment Squadron, 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy).

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    324th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    91st Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1943

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 67 (September 27, 1943)

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Leonard Leronza Cox (ASN: 0-422385), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 324th Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission over Germany on 21 May 1943, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. The aircraft which he was piloting was seriously damaged by enemy fire and as a result was unable to stay in flying formation with the remainder of the group. On the return trip to a friendly air base Lieutenant Cox sighted a badly crippled aircraft being attacked by enemy fighters. In spite of the condition of his own aircraft, he immediately elected to remain with the other aircraft, which had exhausted its ammunition supply, and give it protection. After a long flight, he successfully warded off the enemy attack and accompanied the crippled aircraft to the point where its crew were forced to abandon it in the sea. After assuring himself that the crew were save in their dinghies, he returned to a friendly air base, meanwhile making arrangements for their rescue. The outstanding courage and self-sacrifice displayed by Lieutenant Cox on this occasion reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.