Master Sergeant David Cox is the Assistant Drum Major of “The Commandant’s Own,” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps. A native of Mechanicsville, Virginia, MSgt Cox began his musical instruction on clarinet at the age of ten. As a senior at Lee-Davis High School, he switched instruments, finishing high school on the euphonium where he earned district and state honors. After graduating high school, MSgt Cox enlisted in the Marine Corps, and completed boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. MSgt Cox completed Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry East in November 2008, before reporting to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. for duty with “The Commandants Own,” United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps.

Since reporting to Marine Barracks Washington, MSgt Cox has served in a variety of duties including performing as a Baritone Bugler, Section Leader, Police Sergeant, Medical Readiness Coordinator, Non-Commissioned Officer Drum Major, Corporals Leadership Course Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Field Crew Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Low Brass Instructor, Operations Chief, Training Chief, Low Brass Section Head, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Drum Major.

MSgt Cox has performed in thousands of ceremonies, concerts, and parades in the United States and abroad. Most notably, he performed on the island of Iwo Jima commemorating the 65th anniversary of the flag raising atop Mount Suribachi, several performances in Belleau, France in remembrance of the battle of Belleau Wood, and the Avenches Tattoo in Avenches, Switzerland. MSgt Cox was also a baritone bugle soloist in joint performances with the New York Philharmonic.

In November 2021, after a three-part audition, MSgt Cox was selected by a leadership panel and assumed duties as the Assistant Drum Major of “The Commandant’s Own.”

MSgt Cox’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal (4th award).