Dorothy Cox

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. She completed her undergraduate studies Bryn Mawr College in 1914 and received a Master's degree in architecture from Columbia University. She was fluent in French, Turkish, and Greek, and served as a nurse in World War I. Archaeological career Cox was involved in Hetty Goldman's excavation of the ancient Greek cities of Eutresis and Colophon from 1924 - 1927 as architect and trench supervisor. The two recorded the architectural plan of the Metroon at Colophon together. Cox also assisted J.P. Harland in processing the archaeological finds and making detailed drawings of the architecture at Tsoungiza, a Late Bronze Age site in Greece. From 1934 - 1939, she worked with Goldman once more on her excavations at Tarsus, Turkey. 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. Cox was referred to by the codename "Hiram" by her colleagues in the OSS.