World War II Honoree
Killed In Action
John Preston Cox
Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
Silver Springs, Maryland
Honored By
John Preston Slattery
Relationship
Nephew
As an aviation enthusiast, 1L John Cox was a member of the Silver Springs flying club in high school and after graduation he achieved his Department of Commerce private pilot's licence. He enlisted into the U.S Army Air Corps in January 1942 and completed his Aviation Cadet and Advanced Pilot training at Spence Airfield in Moultrie, GA, Class of 42-K. He was assigned to the Thirteenth Air Force, 18th Fighter Group, 44th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Kaneohe in HI. He flew the Lockheed P-38H Twin Engine and the Curtis P-40 Warhawk. Stationed at Kadena Air base in HI, he was ordered to the Pacific Theater for combat in February 1943. As the war quickly progressed he flew combat missions out of Efate, New Hebrides, Espiritu Santo, Treasury Island, Solomon Islands, Munda and Guadalcanal. He was praised by his crew for demonstrating exceptional awareness and airmanship. One report stated “1 Lt. Cox engaged in a flight of 3 Zeros in a fierce aerial duel over the Huon Gulf. Displaying remarkable marksmanship, he scored hits on 2 enemy aircraft forcing them to break away from their attack with 1 Zero destroyed. Lt Coxs aggressive tactics and superior flying skills were instrumental in disrupting the enemy’s attempt to intercept." He flew many successful missions throughout the year in the Pacific theater. On December 25, 1943 during an Escort bombing mission of B-24 Liberators to Rabaul, he spotted an incoming Japanese fighter and to protect the formation and mission he down after the Zeke and was never seen again. It's unknown whether he bailed out or crashed but he was captured by the Japanese Kempei Tei Imperial Guards 4 days later on December 29th and held captive at the Rabaul POW Camp. On March 4, 1944 Lt. Cox with a group of other POWs were taken from the Rabaul camp and placed in a cave at Tunnel Hill Camp. The following day on March 5th, he and half of the group were taken to the Tanoura/ Bay beach and executed. Lt. Cox gave his all to fight for our freedoms and for his Country. Lt Cox was awarded the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, 7 Air Medals, and the lifelong admiration and pride of his namesake nephew, John Preston Slattery.