12-118 Garand Picture of the Day - Sgt. Mortimer Cox U.S.M.C. 1944

[Mark in Rochester]

African American Marine drill instructor Sgt. Mortimer Cox handing rifle back to a recruit after an inspection. Location: Camp Lejeune, NC, US
Date taken: July 1944


These Marines of the first platoon to enter recruit training at instructors. From left are Mortimer A. Cox; Arnold R. Bostick; Montford Point were promoted to private first class a month Edgar R. Davis, Jr.; Gilbert H. "Hashmark" Johnson and Edgar before they completed boot camp and became assistant drill R. Huff (their drill instructors); and Charles E. Allen.


During a demonstration while training at Montford Point, Cpl Arvin L. "Tony" Ghazlo, instructor in unarmed combat, disarms his assistant, PFC Ernest Jones. National Archives Photo 127-N-5334

Regiment: 1st Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

[Mark in Rochester]

Mortimer West Cox, Jr.
Date of birth: March 16, 1928
Date of death: July 25, 1953
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Home of record: Sewell, New Jersey
Status: KIA

Mortimer Cox graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1952.


Awards and Citations



Silver Star
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Awarded posthumously for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Mortimer West Cox, Jr. (MCSN: 0-36480), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Executive Officer of Company I, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on the night of 24 - 25 July 1953. With his company split in two and sustaining numerous casualties while proceeding through the darkness well forward of the main line of resistance to reinforce another company which was under heavy enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Cox exercised unusual leadership and exceptional initiative in regaining control, restoring cohesion and renewing the company's forward movement. Upon arriving at the forward position, he immediately took charge of resupply for both companies. Undaunted by the unceasing hostile artillery and mortar fire concentrated in the supply area, he exposed himself repeatedly to the withering barrage throughout the night to direct the salvage and distribution of ammunition, weapons and medical items, thereby insuring a constant flow of supplies to the defenders. In addition, he was instrumental in saving numerous lives by leading parties forward into the trenches to carry the wounded to the rear. Struck by enemy fire and instantly killed while reconnoitering the forward positions during the morning mopping-up operations, Second Lieutenant Cox, by his great personal valor in the face of heavy odds, served to inspire all who observed him. His actions throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: July 24 & 25, 1953

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company I

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 1st Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF