Robert Edward Cox

Cox was born December 22, 1876, in St. Albans, West Virginia and after joining the navy was stationed aboard the USS Missouri (BB-11). On April 13, 1904, the Missouri was engaging in target practice when one of the ships 12" guns "flared back". As the breech was opened for reloading, hot gases were released into the turret, causing it to catch fire. The fire spread to a bag of propellant and from there it spread down to the ammunition handling chamber. Cox along with 2 gunners mates contained the fire before it spread to other areas of the ship and in putting out the blaze. The fire was eventually contained but before it was out 36 of the ship's crew were dead. For his actions he received the Medal of Honor April 14, 1921.[1][2][3]

He died April 24, 1937, and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Rank and organizarion: Chief Gunner's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 22 December 1855, St. Albans, W. Va. Accredited to: West Virginia. G.O. No.: 43, 14 April 1921. (Medal presented by President Harding.)

Citation:

For extraordinary heroism on U.S.S. Missouri 13 April 1904. While at target practice off Pensacola, Fla., an accident occurred in the after turret of the Missouri whereby the lives of 5 officers and 28 men were lost. The ship was in imminent danger of destruction by explosion, and the prompt action of C.G. Cox and 2 gunners' mates caused the fire to be brought under control, and the loss of the Missouri, together with her crew, was averted.[1]

• List of Medal of Honor recipients during peacetime

• "Gets Medal of Honor won 17 years ago" (PDF). New York Times. April 15, 1921. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
• "Robert Edward Cox". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved October 8, 2010.