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Cook, Donald Gilbert |
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Rank and organization: Colonel, United States
Marine Corps, Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of
Vietnam. Place and date: Vietnam, 31 December 1964 to 8 December,
1967. Entered Service at: Brooklyn, New York. Date and place of
birth: 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 their health, Colonel
Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his comrades
before that of his own well-being and, eventually, his life. |
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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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