George Emerson Cox, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to George Emerson Cox, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THEE (MTB-3), Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), in action against enemy forces on 8 and 9 April 1942, in the vicinity of Cebu, Philippine Islands. Ensign Cox’s outstanding accomplishments, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to George Emerson Cox, Jr., Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while Commanding Motor Torpedo Boat FORTY-ONE (PT-41), Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron THREE (MBT-3), when that vessel together with the U.S.S. PT-34 made an effective torpedo attack on a Japanese cruiser screened by four enemy destroyers in the Philippine Islands on 8 April 1941. Despite heavy shell fire opposition and having expended all his torpedoes, Ensign Cox attacked with machine gun fire on the disengaged side of the cruiser thereby drawing the hostile fire from PT-34. His actions in thus heroically exposing his position to aid materially in the attack of the accompanying Motor Torpedo Boat, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)