The  President  of the  United States  takes pleasure  in  presenting  the   DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For  heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364,  Marine  Aircraft Group Sixteen,  First Marine Aircraft Wing  in connection  with combat operations  against the enemy in  the  Republic of Vietnam.  On  the morning of 12 May 1969,  Major Cox  launched as  Aircraft Commander of the lead aircraft in a flight of CH-46 transport helicopters assigned the emergency medical evacu- ation of nineteen Marines from an area where  a previous extraction aircraft had been forced  to abort its mission due to  the intense enemy  fire.  Helicopter gun- ship support was not immediately available, however, because of  the emergency nature of  the mission, Major Cox requested  the assistance of an OV-10 Bronco aircraft and departed for the designated area.  During the approach to  the land- ing zone,  his helicopter  came under a  heavy volume of hostile ground fire, but, realizing  that  he didn't  have adequate  fire support to  attempt a  second  app- roach, he fearlessly maneuvered his aircraft into  the landing zone.  While  ten of the  most seriously wounded Marines  were being embarked, his helicopter came under enemy  mortar fire and his crew members  were not able to return fire due to the proximity  of friendly  forces.  Before  the aircraft could  take  off,  it  was damaged by a hostile mortar round.  Aware that his helicopter could not remain airborne long,  he  skillfully maneuvered  it out of  the hazardous  area  with ten evacuees  aboard and landed at  the nearest secure zone, from which  the casual- ties were  taken by another aircraft to a medical facility.  His resolute determina- tion and  superior  airmanship  inspired  all who observed him  and were  instru- mental  in saving  the lives of  several wounded Marines.   Major Cox's courage, superb  aeronautical  ability, and  unwavering  devotion  to duty in  the force  of great  personal danger were in keeping with  the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."