The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Ellis T. Cox (MCSN: 360624), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 June 1944. When his amphibian tractor was struck by heavy caliber enemy fire while proceeding to the beach, Corporal Cox risked his life to extinguish fires started in the ammunition. Realizing that the embarked 37-mm. guns and ammunition were urgently needed by our troops ashore under attack by hostile tanks, he carried on desperately in an effort to fulfill his mission but was mortally wounded when succeeding shells hit his vehicle. Corporal Cox’s indomitable fighting spirit, his great personal valor and zealous devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.