Andrew F. Cook, Jr.

Andrew Fred Cook, Jr. (January 2, 1920 – November 4, 1942) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was killed in action in the Battle of Guadalcanal November 4, 1942, receiving the Navy Cross for gallantry and self-sacrifice in the action in which he gave his life.

Early life and service

He was the older brother of fellow Navy Cross recipient Dallas Harry Cook. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps September 15, 1938. Cook served in the field from May 10, 1942, and he was promoted to second lieutenant July 14, 1942.

Award citation

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Andrew Fred Cook (0-12644), Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 4 November 1942. While a patrol, actively engaged in seeking out hostile forces in the vicinity of the Mallimbiu River, Second Lieutenant Cook, upon sudden contact with Japanese troops, boldly rushed the crew of an enemy machine gun and was killed while attempting to destroy them. His courageous self-sacrifice contributed materially to the rout and destruction of Japanese forces in that area and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the defense of his country. Board Serial: 00232 (Secretary of the Navy, Signed April 23, 1943)

Legacy

USS Cook (APD-130) and USS Cook (FF-1083) have been named after the brothers.

References

• This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

External links

• Andrew F. Cook, Jr. at Find a Grave (marker gives year of birth 1919)