Robert Edward Cox
Rank and organization: Chief Gunner, 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 chip was in imminent danger of destruction by explosion, and the prompt action of Chief Gunner Cox and two gunners' mates caused the fire to be brought under control, and the loss of the Missouri, together with her crew, was averted.
Medal of Honor Recipients, 1863-1973. Washington: GPO, 1973.