Dorothy Cox (archaeologist)

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Dorothy Cox
Born
Dorothy Hannah Cox

1892
Died1977(1977-00-00) (aged 84–85)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesHiram (codename)
Occupation(s)Archaeologist, spy, and numismatist
Academic background
Education

Dorothy Hannah Cox (1892-1977) was an American archaeologist and spy known for her work in

excavation architecture and numismatics, and for engaging in espionage during World War II
.

Early life and education

Born in 1892, Dorothy Hannah Cox was the daughter of Lewis J. Cox, and was the sister of American inventor and businessman Frank Cox.[1] She completed her undergraduate studies Bryn Mawr College in 1914 and received a Master's degree in architecture from Columbia University.[2] She was fluent in French, Turkish, and Greek, and served as a nurse in World War I.[3]

Archaeological career

Cox was involved in

Late Bronze Age site in Greece.[5] From 1934 - 1939, she worked with Goldman once more on her excavations at Tarsus, Turkey.[6][7]
During her lifetime, Cox authored several works on numismatics, pottery, and the findings of her excavations.

Espionage in WWII

At the beginning of World War II, Cox was selected by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) to join the Greek Desk led by American archaeologist turned spy-ringleader Rodney Young. Young recommended Cox because he found her to be reliable and cooperative, and because her work compared favorably with those of the men selected to join the operation. To prepare for this mission, Cox was briefed in skills related to field espionage, including covert communications, cryptography, identifying German and US military equipment, interpreting and creating intelligence reports, and firearms training.[8] Cox was referred to by the codename "Hiram" by her colleagues in the OSS.[9]

The British Chief of Middle East Relief and Rehabilitation advised Cox to remain in Cairo, saying that she could only be of use if she worked under him in Egypt. She ignored this and travelled to İzmir where she established her own intelligence operations independent of British intervention. While in Izmir, she reported to her superiors and colleagues in Cairo, Washington, D.C. and the Office of Naval Intelligence on the activities of enemy deserters, Greek refugees, and special agents who ended up in Turkey.

Cox operated in

Red Cross. A sympathizer of the National Liberation Front, Cox aided Greek leftist guerillas by supplying them with money, food and supplies in exchange for information. She believed that "it was impossible for anyone but supermen or super morons to be neutral".[9] Her position allowed her to gather intelligence on conditions within Greece, and to use Turkish officials to gather more information.[10] Cox reflected that "as representative of the Greek War Relief, [they] came to [her] for supplies of clothes, food and medicine. In exchange they gave information."[11]

She gained a reputation for her fearlessness, discernment, and ability to coax information from people. Despite her effectiveness as a spy, Cox was only paid secretarial wages and was repeatedly denied supplies and support by her superiors Washington, D.C.[3]

Later life and death

After the conclusion of the war in 1945, Cox returned to the US where she became the curator of coins for

Balkh, Afghanistan. She died in 1977.[3]

Selected bibliography

See also

References

  1. ^ Tribune-Star, Mike McCormickSpecial to the. "Historical perspective: The life and premature death of businessman B.G. Cox". Terre Haute Tribune-Star. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  2. ^ "Digital Kourion - About - Excavation Team | Penn Museum". www.penn.museum. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  3. ^ a b c "The Perfect Spy | Bryn Mawr Alumnae Bulletin". www.brynmawr.edu. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  4. ISBN 978-0-472-02536-7
    .
  5. ISBN 978-1-62139-006-0
    .
  6. ISBN 978-0-8122-3446-6
    .
  7. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  8. ^ "Rodney Young's Other Career | Expedition Magazine". www.penn.museum. Retrieved 2020-01-27.
  9. ^
    ISBN 978-0-472-02766-8
    .
  10. S2CID 157287400
    .
  11. ^ Lalaki, Despina (2013). "Soldiers of Science - Agents of Culture: American Archaeologists in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)". Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. 82 (1): 186.
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