The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant David C. Cox (MCSN: 0-8239), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Company C of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on November 1, 1942. During a Marine offensive west of the Matanikau River, Second Lieutenant Cox, after reporting to his company commander, was ordered to take over the direction of a special weapons platoon. With the enemy firmly entrenched in woods and draws, in order to better concentrate the fire of his mortars voluntarily moved forward through a hazardously exposed area for purposes of observation. While courageously directing the fire of his own platoon, he was killed in action. His fearless conduct and unhesitating spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of probable death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.