Ira W. Cox Page 1

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Died A Hero Under the Stars and Stripes

Page 1

Private Ira W. Cox

Company D 22nd Infantry

Ira W. Cox

Below is a poem in his own handwriting,
written by Ira Cox while serving in the Philippines.
Below the poem is a typed transcription.

Entitled "A Soldier's best friends", the poem conveys the essence of an Infantryman.
A 22nd Infantryman from the Battle of Chippewa, nearly 100 years before the poem was written
could easily identify with what Ira wrote,
and so can today's 22nd Infantrymen, over 100 years after the poem was written.

A Soldier's best friends

people can talk of their friends both young and old.
of gallant defenders tried and bold
who come at their side at back and call-
with them through troubles sorrows and all,
but a soldier's best friends in the philippines:
are his trusty rifle and old canteen.
on the march with the sun beating down fierce and hot
with blanket roll haversack and what not
what friend then your heart can cheer
like a drink of water cold and clear
and as the canteen bottom skyward tips,
again on post as a silent vigil you keep
knowing not from where the enemy may creep.

you have a friend then by your side
that will not fail you whatever betide
and at its sharp and angry bark
it leaves an enemy cold and stark,
wrapped in your blanket by the camp fireside
it sleeps as your mistress by your side:
and through all of war's alarms
it is there reposing in your arms
and this friend nestled near your side
is cherished and worshipped with true soldier's pride.

Ira W Cox-----------------------------------------------
Co D 22 U.S. Infantry------------------------------------

**********************

Below is a letter written to Ira's parents, by Pvt. Monroe Sturgill, a friend and fellow soldier from Company D.

**********************