Luther C. Cox.
Pilot · 328th Squadron · Of Baltimore, MD.
The Man Behind the Name
Capt. Luther C. Cox was the pilot of B-24D "Double Trouble" on the 19 January 1943 mission to Sousse, Tunisia.
Cox survived and later provided interrogation testimony at Mitchel Field, New York, stating that his airplane was hit by flak and fighters, crashed into the water and exploded, and that only two parachutes were seen to open. He is listed as RMC (Returned to Military Control) on the MACR.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Original member of 93rd Bomb Group, 228th Sqdn. [note: likely 328th], Barksdale Field, LA, May 11. Page Field, FL; August 8 Grenier Field, NH; Sept. 6, 1942 orders to proceed to England.
Reported to Commanding General 8th Air Force. First group to fly formation across the North Atlantic non-stop. Sept. 10, 1942, Alconbury Air Base, England. Oct. 9, 1942 flew on first all-American raid against Lille, France (10 missions ETO). Dec. 6, 1942 Group TDY to North Africa (Oran) and Middle East (Gambus - LG 139).
Was shot down on 21st mission, target Sousse, Tunisia, N.A. Two survivors, bombardier and navigator (Cox). They remained POWs until liberated by Gen. Patton on April 29, 1945. Mitchel Field, NY, Sept. 28, 1945.
Service record.
Missions flown.
The missions below are those we have been able to document for this airman, drawn from flight logs, mission records, and archival sources. It is not necessarily a complete account of every mission flown; gaps may reflect missing documentation, transferred assignments, or records lost to time.
Before and after.
Born March 15, 1918, Baltimore, MD. Entered the AAC Flight Training May 28, 1941. Graduated April 11, 1942, Tunner Field, GA. Commissioned second lieutenant.
Spent next 24 years in research and development commands. Retired Aug. 10, 1969. He received the Bronze Star (Valor), Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, POW Medal, European Campaign Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and several other ribbons. Director Air Force JROTC programs for 16 years for a total of 45 years in uniform. Married Jeanene Haynes and has four children and nine grandchildren.