THE WALL OF FACES

SSGT George J. Cox was an infantryman serving with C Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On March 14, 1968, SSGT Cox was killed by a booby-trapped 105mm artillery shell while leading a patrol in the vicinity of Binh Son, Quang Ngai Province, RVN. It was reported that Cox lead the patrol into a cluster of trees from where he radioed that they had located something. Next, a large explosion was heard. Cox was killed in the blast and three others were wounded. One of the survivors stated that Cox had picked up the device before it exploded. A medivac (medical evacuation by helicopter) was called and the casualties were “dusted off” to the 2nd Surgical Hospital in Chu Lai. A memorial service for Cox was held the next day where many of the men of C Company were angry and upset about his death and the loss of four others since February. The following day, March 16, 1968, a mass slaughter occurred in two hamlets of Son My village committed by soldiers from C Company. The incident became known as the My Lai Massacre. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 1-20infantry.org, and the book “My Lai 4: A Report on the Massacre and Its Aftermath” by Seymour M. Hersh]

You now have 5 grandchildren and 1 grandchild. Your son, Patrick James & I, gave you a grandson and granddaughter. They are now in college. Five years ago we took them to The Wall to honor your memory. You are missed.

Dear SSGT George Jose Cox, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

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On May 17th 2012 our son, one of your grandsons, graduated from high school. He's going to college soon. He plays guitar, has a great personality, and is very smart. You'd be proud. We all wish we'd had the opportunity to get to know you! Best, from your daughter-in-law, Karen