John V. Cox

Early life John Cox, son of coal miner Norris Cox and wife Ruth, was born and raised in Bevier, Macon County, Missouri, along with older brother Lynn and sisters Josephine and Nancy. Despite the death of his father when he was just nineteen years old, Cox was able to attend Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in May 1952. After graduation from Northeast Missouri State he joined the Marine Corps through their officer candidate program and reported to Marine Officers Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, on July 10, 1952. Lieutenant Cox first assignment was to Marine Corps Air Station Miami and the aircraft carrier , the first of a dozen carriers he would serve on in his career. Following his second Vietnam tour, Colonel Cox served in varied positions throughout the early and mid-1970s, including serving on the staff of Commander in Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC) under Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. and executive officer of MCAS Kaneohe Bay. Cox was selected to attend the National War College, which he graduated from in 1974, and then served at Headquarters Marine Corps. While in the Washington, D.C., area he also earned a Master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University.

John V. Cox was promoted to brigadier general on November 4, 1977. With his new rank he served in assignments as assistant commander of the 1st Marine Air Wing, commanding general of the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, and duty as assistant chief of staff then deputy chief of staff for research, development and studies at Headquarters Marine Corps. He began the 1980s as commanding general of MCAS El Toro, and was promoted to major general on April 9, 1981. Cox served as commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing until May, 1982. In June of that year General Cox began his final assignment in the Marine Corps as director of operations (J-3) for the commander in chief at Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii. He retired from the Marine Corps on July 1, 1985. During his career he amassed 5,043 hours total flight time and was a rated pilot in nearly every Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft of the Cold War era, including the F6F Hellcat, AD-4 Skyraider, FJ-4 Fury, F8U Crusader, and F-4 Phantom II.

After retirement Major General Cox remained active with the Navy League of the United States, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, Navy Relief, and occasional speaking engagements. General Cox and wife Pat reside in McLean, Virginia.

Awards and honors Military

Civilian Honored in 2007 with Distinguished Service Award by Truman State University.