O'Dean Thomas Cox was born on July 6, 1921, in Texas. He was the son of George William Cox and Ila May Fielder Patteson. He served in Company K, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division as a Lieutenant during World War II. In March 1945, his company successfully liberated the town of Bitschhoffen, France from German occupation. Lt. Dean survived the war but was killed in battle on July 12, 1950, serving as a Captain in the 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in North Korea. He is now buried in the Rosemound Cemetery, Waco, Texas and also has a cenotaph in National Korean War Veterans Memorial, D. C. From www.militaryhallofhonor.com:
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 88 (1944)
CITATION:
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Infantry) O'Dean T. Cox (ASN: 0-2055220), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 36th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 57 (March 1, 1945)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) O'Dean T. Cox (ASN: 0-2055220), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 143d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 6 November 1944, in France.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.