The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Eugene P. Cox (MCSN: 0-18940), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Electronic Countermeasures Officer aboard an EA-6A Electronic Warfare jet aircraft, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in Southeast Asia. During the early morning hours of 16 April 1972, two aircraft were assigned the important mission of providing support to elements of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN (TF-77), in an area known to be heavily infested with sophisticated enemy weapons. Immediately prior to take-off, the second aircraft developed a major malfunction and was forced to abort the mission. Ignoring this obstacle, once airborne, Captain Cox quickly calculated the new orbit location necessitated by the cancellation of the second aircraft. Informed that a previous rocket attack directed against DaNang airfield had caused an aircraft system failure which would hamper the maneuverability of EA-6A and thus further endanger his life, Captain Cox, realizing the criticality of his actions to the success of the strike aircraft, completely disregarded his own safety and unhesitatingly elected to continue the mission. Assuming a low-altitude position over the target area, the pilot skillfully maneuvered his aircraft in a slow orbit which enabled Captain Cox to employ his jammers against the sources of enemy missiles which, had they reached their targets, would have seriously disrupted the operation of strike aircraft. As the lone aircraft in operation, the EA-6A quickly became the target for concentrated activity by hostile missile technicians who tenaciously raked the area around the aircraft with a continuous barrage. Although six missiles narrowly missed their target, one of which detonated less than one hundred feet to the rear, Captain Cox in a dramatic display of courage and composure under fire, calmly continued his work of providing maximum protection to strike aircraft. Utilizing his vast technical knowledge and skill, he resolutely employed varied methods of thwarting the enemy intent, constantly evaluating and reacting in split seconds to the combat situation. By his courage, brilliant utilization of his jamming equipment which successfully prevented any friendly casualties, and his unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Cox upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.