Skip to content

Kenneth LaVerne Cox

Private Kenneth L. Cox served with Able Company, First Battalion, 4th Marines.
He was killed in action at Corregidor on or around 6 May 1942.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 279847

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains not recovered.

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

April 29, 1920
at Plymouth, NE

Parents

Lindsey Jewel “LJ” Cox, Sr.
Clara Elizabeth (Cash) Cox

Education

Details unknown

Occupation & Employer

Details unknown

Service Life

Entered Service

January 6, 1940
at Little Rock, AR

Home Of Record

1316 6th Street
Fairbury, NE

Next Of Kin

Father, Mr. L. J. Cox

Military Specialty

Primary Unit

A/1/4th Marines

Campaigns Served

Philippine Islands / Corregidor

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Private Kenneth L. Cox participated in the defense of the Philippine Islands, including the siege of Corregidor, as a member of A/1/4th Marines.

Cox was listed as missing in action when Corregidor fell. His death was reported by the Red Cross on 12 February 1943; his official date of death was fixed as 6 May 1942, the day of the surrender. However, information supplied and collected by members of his regiment suggest that Cox was actually killed on 3 May 1942. The circumstances surrounding his death are not known.

The "finding of death" placed Kenneth Cox's last day alive as 12 February 1943. This was merely an administrative decision; Cox lost his life in May 1942 on Corregidor.
Burial Information or Disposition

None reported. Cox’s remains were not recovered from the battlefield.

Memorials

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Fairbury Cemetery, Fairbury, Nebraskanote that this grave has the 12 February 1943 “finding of death” date

Next Of Kin Address

Address of father, Mr. L. J. Cox.

Location Of Loss

Kenneth Cox was last seen at an unspecified location on Corregidor.

Related Profiles

Members of the 4th Marines lost at Corregidor, 6 May 1942.
First Battalion
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

3 thoughts on “Kenneth L. Cox”

  1. Comment from Jeff Falk
    25 November 2012

    Kenneth Cox was my uncle. But I never met him. In my grandmother’s house in Nebraska there was a photo of him dressed up in his uniform. He was smiling and looked happy. As a child the stories about him seemed mythical. I knew he had lived but he always “out there” somewhere. That you posted this about him means a lot to me. More than I can say. Most all of my relatives from my childhood days are long gone. To read about this man after all these years is both comfort and closure. Thank you so much. Jeff Falk Phoenix

    1. Reply on 27 November 2012

      Hi Jeff – thank you for writing, I’m glad this entry meant so much to you. I’m sorry I couldn’t provide many more specifics, but will have another run through my records and see if I can find any more information for you. If you have any questions or anything in particular you’d like me to look up, please send me an email at webmaster@ablecompany24.com and I’ll be happy to oblige.

      Cheers,
      Geoff

  2. Comment from Cindy Lisi
    11 December 2014

    My name is Cindy Orchard Lisi and I am the daughter of Carolyn Cox Orchard. Carolyn Cox is the sister of Kenneth LaVerne Cox. I remember going to visit my grandparents and I remember seeing Kenny’s picture in the bedroom I slept in at 1316 6th Street, Fairbury Nebraska. I have heard a lot of stories about Kenny and I wish I had the opportunity to meet him. From the stories about Kenny that I have heard through the family, he was a very handsome, courageous man who died at an early age. I am very proud of him and my mother, Carolyn, has a monument dedicated in his honor. Thank you for posting this as now I know the true story of my Uncle Kenny.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *