Russell Cox, Jr. served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in the Supply Corps during World War II. He was on the light cruiser USS Juneau when, in the morning hours of November 13, 1942 in near pitch darkness, it was struck amidship by a Japanese torpedo during the Battle of Guadalcanal, causing a severe list. The Juneau, once dawn broke, then tried to return to Espiritu Santo for repairs when it was hit again by a Japanese I-26, causing her to sink. Lieutenant Cox went missing and was declared dead on November 16, 1942. He received the Purple Heart.
