The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Lester Eugene Cox, Jr. (MCSN: 2637650), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 July 1972 while serving as a Crew Chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE (HMM-165), during combat operations Lam Son 72 (Phase II), against communist forces near Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam. Corporal Cox was launched on a CH-53D carrying South Vietnamese Marines in a combat assault. As the aircraft approached the landing zone, it encountered extremely heavy ground fire and was struck by a heat seeking missile. Immediately upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames. Corporal Cox, who had been thrown across the aircraft, recognized the severity of the situation and began efforts to open the aft ramp and hatch, which had closed with the explosion. Before he could get either open, the aircraft struck the ground. Realizing the ramp and hatch would not open, he made his way to the front of the aircraft to check on the remaining crew. He found one of his gunners in shock and on fire and proceeded to get him out of the aircraft. He continued to look for survivors despite the intense heat, painful burns, and danger from rounds exploding in the aircraft. He joined the other survivors in a nearby bomb crater and proceeded to help with first aid for the injured as well as participate in the rescue effort. Despite his own serious burns, he continued to assist in every way possible until the remaining crew as returned to the Amphibious Assault Ship. By his uncommon valor, courageous actions and selfless devotion to duty in an extremely hazardous situation, Corporal Cox upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.