The  President of the United States  takes  pleasure  in presenting  the   BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For  meritorious service  in connection  with  combat oper- ations against  the enemy in  the  Republic of Vietnam while serving with the  III Marine   Amphibious   Force   from   20  February  1969   to  9  February   1970. Throughout  this  period,  Major  Cox  performed  his  demanding  duties  in an exemplary  and  highly  professional  manner.    Initially  assigned  as   Assistant Operations  Officer  of  Marine Medium Helicopter 364,  Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First  Marine Aircraft Wing,  he distinguished  himself  by  his excellent performance of duty and meticulous attention to operational matters as he skill- fully  assisted  in the planning, correlation,  and scheduling of  aircraft and flight crews  to meet  the tactical  requirements assigned  his Squadron.  Reassigned as Executive Officer on 10 May 1969,  Major Cox's superior leadership and organi- zational  ability  greatly  enhanced  the operational proficiency of his command. Exceptional  knowledge in  the complex facets of  Marine Corps  administration, he  personally  reviewed  and  initiated  revisions  to  the  orders  and   directives governing  the operations of his  Squadron as well as monitoring  the daily prep- aration  and timely  submission of  correspondence and reports  to higher  head- quarters.   Subsequently  reassigned  as  Assistant Air Officer of the First Marine Division,  his innate managerial ability and extensive knowledge of aircraft capa- bilities  and limitations  enabled him to  provide  maximum  aircraft support for maneuvering infantry units at  all times.  Major Cox's  superior leadership, bold initiative, and  steadfast  devotion  to duty earned  the respect of  all who  served with  him  and were  in keeping with the highest  traditions of  the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.