Pfc. David M. Cox
The Leon Journal Reporter
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
November 1943
Now Hospital Patient in North Africa Area
Will Be Returned Soon to United States
Son of Mr. and Mrs. D. V. COX Who Live Near Leon
Pfc. David M. Cox, 24, has been wounded in the European battle area, according to a letter received from the injured youth’s brother, Pfc. Charles K. Cox, 22, by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Cox, who live fifteen miles northwest of Leon. Pfc. Cox was stationed with the Thrity-fourth division in North Africa.
Pfc. Charles Cox, who was in the same division with his brother, writes his parents, “I hadn’t seen my brother for quite a while. I began wondering about him. I found him in a hospital. He has both jaws broken, he is deaf in one ear, and arm is fractured and one shoulder broken. He is scheduled to be sent back to the United States soon.”
The letter from Pfc. Charles Cox was dated October 15. The injured youth is now a patient in general hospital in North Africa. He was wounded July 15, [1943].
Source: Decatur County Auxiliary Scrapbook
Submission by Decatur County Historical Museum, Leon IA, Sara Rose Joan LeFleur, June of 2016
NOTE: Pfc. David M. Cox died on August 21, 1944. He was interred at Vada, Italy.
Obituary ~ PFC David M. Cox
June 24, 1919 ~ August 21, 1944
Private First Class David M. Cox, son of Demmeree and Belva Cox of Decatur, Iowa, was born June 24, 1919 on a farm near DeKalb, Iowa. departed from this life, August 21, 1944 at the age of 25 years, 2 months and I day. While in the service of his country at Angelo Sicio Italy, and was laid to rest in a military cemetery at Vada, Italy.
David was next to the oldest in the family of seven children, having one older sister which preceded him in death in infancy. Also has three brothers which are Charles Cox, Grand River, Iowa; (He also served his country in foreign land); Archie Cox, Kansas City, Missouri; Tyndel Cox, DeKalb, Iowa and two sister, Norma Cox and Darlene Cox, of home.
David, when a young boy loved the farm and home life. He had many young friends which missed him greatly when he entered the service. He received his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and with an Armored Infantry Unit, was the first to land in Ireland, later being sent to North Africa and participating in the invasion of Italy. He spent two and one-half years in overseas duties, before God saw best to take him home.
His folks heard from him regularly. He often mentioned of still carrying his Bible, given him by his parents, as he left for service, that he was reading it much to his enjoyment and his buddies would listen as he read.
David had mentioned in many letters that he would love to see all of us folks again, especially his youngest sister, Darlene whom he had never seen and if he didn’t get back for all to meet him in Heaven.
David was held in high esteem by all officers and men of that company. He was a splendid soldier and of outstanding character.
David met his death almost instantly as a result of enemy action while in performance of his duty in northern Italy. Death was due to shell fragment wounds in the chest and arm.
He was buried with High Military Honors. In an accurately marked grave with a Protestant Chaplain conducting the graveside service.
He is greatly missed by all and besides his parents and brothers and sister, he leaves one aged grandmother, Mrs. Lizzie Cox of Decatur, Iowa and a host of other relatives and friends.
In memory of my nephew, P. F. C. DAVID M. COX
Written by Mrs. Cloyd Foland.
You were like a flower blooming in this great big world of Gods.
In the Garden of America Where mighty men have trod.
But our country needed solders that was strong and brave and true.
So they called this one of ours for some mighty work to do.
God looked down upon his Garden.
Saw this flower in need of care, and he called him home to Heaven,
Where the blest are resting there. He is resting! Yes he’s resting.
And he sorrows never more. By the Grace of God we’ll meet him.
Yes! Up there on Heavens shore.
~ August 31, 1944
Submission by Sara Rose Joan LeFleur
