The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Timothy J. Cox (ASN: US-52855988), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Mechanized), 22d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Staff Sergeant Cox distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 March 1969 while serving as a platoon sergeant in command of an element sent to lend support to a beleaguered ambush patrol After the patrol had reported enemy contact and then broke communication, the command track and Sergeant Cox with two vehicles from his platoon moved out rapidly from their defensive night position. Arriving at the area of conflict, Sergeant Cox directed a lethal volume of fire on the enemy force. Frequently he purposely drew fire on himself to locate and destroy hostile emplacements. Maneuvering through an onslaught of exploding anti-tank rockets, he and his men finally recovered the ambush patrol, including five dead and several critically wounded. On departing, his track was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Determining the site of the launcher, Sergeant Cox dismounted and crawled to the flank of the well-concealed position. Unleashing a fusillade with his M-16 rifle, he instantly killed the crew. Remounting his vehicle, he then guided his element to a nearby fire support base. Twice he was blown from his vehicle when anti-tank mines exploded, but he ignored his injuries in his persistence to return his men to safety. Staff Sergeant Cox’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.