The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Cox. Cox was born in Bismarck, Illinois on 3 November 1917. He joined the Army Air Corps in December 1939. Upon completing basic training he was sent to Nichols Field, Manila, Philippines, arriving there in May 1940. Soon after his arrival he was assigned to the 27th Materials Squadron and trained in an aircraft mechanics school. He was selected for a special mission to Port Moresby, New Guinea and was there when the Japanese attacked the Philippines. He was then ordered to report to Townsville, Australia. Cox recalls various experiences while working with the Australian forces. Returning to the United States in 1943 he was promoted to Warrant Officer and assigned as Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Sedalia Army Air Field, Missouri in December 1943. In March 1944, he was sent to Fulbeck, England where he joined the 303rd Troop Carrier Squadron. He describes the loading of the squadron’s planes with troops prior to the launching of Operation Overlord, 6 June 1944. He concludes the interview describing the unit’s involvement in Operation Dragoon August 1944.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Cox. Cox was born in Bismarck, Illinois on 3 November 1917. He joined the Army Air Corps in December 1939. Upon completing basic training he was sent to Nichols Field, Manila, Philippines, arriving there in May 1940. Soon after his arrival he was assigned to the 27th Materials Squadron and trained in an aircraft mechanics school. He was selected for a special mission to Port Moresby, New Guinea and was there when the Japanese attacked the Philippines. He was then ordered to report to Townsville, Australia. Cox recalls various experiences while working with the Australian forces. Returning to the United States in 1943 he was promoted to Warrant Officer and assigned as Aircraft Maintenance Officer at Sedalia Army Air Field, Missouri in December 1943. In March 1944, he was sent to Fulbeck, England where he joined the 303rd Troop Carrier Squadron. He describes the loading of the squadron’s planes with troops prior to the launching of Operation Overlord, 6 June 1944. He concludes the interview describing the unit’s involvement in Operation Dragoon August 1944.