photo:
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Biography
August 9, 1934 - December 8, 1967
Place of birth:
Brooklyn, New York
Place of death:
Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance:
USMC
Years of service:
1957-1967
Rank:
Colonel
Battles/wars:
Vietnam War
Awards:
Medal of Honor
Purple Heart
United States Marine Corps Portal
Donald Gilbert Cook (9 August 1934 - 8 December 1967) was a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps and a Medal of Honor recipient.
Cook was born in Brooklyn, New York. He held as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 December 1964 until his death.
USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) was named in his honor.
Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while interned as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December 1967. Despite the fact that by so doing he would bring about harsher treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook established himself as the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he was not.
Repeatedly assuming more than his share of their health, Colonel Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his own well-being and, eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and drug allowance while constantly nursing them, he risked infection from contagious diseases while in a rapidly deteriorating state of health.
This unselfish and exemplary conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the slightest from the Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not only his fellow prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate for his own release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts by the Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit. and passed this same resolve on to the men whose well-being he so closely associated himself. Knowing his refusals would prevent his release prior to the end of the war, also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected.
His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflected the highest credit upon Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.
References
Official Marine Corps biography of Colonel Donald G. Cook
