COOK, DONALD GILBERT

Rank and organization: Colonel, United States Marine Corps.
Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam

Place: Vietnam

Date: 31 December, 1964 to 8 December, 1967

Entered service at: Brooklyn, New York

Born: 9 August 1934, Brooklyn, New York

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 harsh treatment, 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, and 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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: COOK

First name: DONALD GILBERT

Home of Record (official): NEW YORK

State (official): NY

Date of Birth: Thursday, August 9, 1934

Sex: Male

Race: Caucasian

Marital Status: Married

--- Military ---

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: COL

Serial Number: 105263773

Component: Regular

Pay grade: O6

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 2502

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, December 31, 1964

Date of Casualty: Tuesday, February 26, 1980

Age at time of loss: 45

Casualty type: (A4) Hostile, died while captured

Reason: Unknown / Not reported (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Phuoc Tuy

The Wall: Panel 01E - Row 080

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