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.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 279847
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.
Burial Information or Disposition
None reported. Cox’s remains were not recovered from the battlefield.
Memorials
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Fairbury Cemetery, Fairbury, Nebraska – note 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.
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
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
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.