The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant Clifford J. Cook, Jr. (ASN: 0-969387), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, [then Company F], 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 May 1951 in the vicinity of Hyon-ni, Korea. On that date Lieutenant Cook’s platoon had the mission of clearing the ridges along a road leading to Hyon-ni. They had successfully removed several points of resistance along their route of advance when they were halted by intense enemy automatic fire. Locating the enemy position, Lieutenant Cook ordered his forward squad to continue firing while he fearlessly exposed himself to the deadly enemy fire to skirt the enemy position. Rushing the bunker from the rear, he raised his carbine to fire but the weapon failed to fire. The enemy saw him and threw a grenade which landed at his feet. Leaping for cover, he pulled two grenades and threw them into the bunker. Taking advantage of the explosion he rushed forward and tossed two more into the bunker, killing all three of the enemy. This act enabled the company to advance and complete its mission. The gallantry and loyal devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Cook on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.