The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Earl J. Cook (MCSN: 0-7359), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the SIXTH Marine Division on Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands, from 1 April to 17 June 1945. Major Cook served as Executive Officer from 1 April to 15 May, and as Commanding Officer of a Marine Infantry Battalion from 15 May to 17 June 1945. During the assault on Naha and vicinity and on Oroku Peninsula and the drive on Arasaki, he, by his outstanding leadership and exceptional ability as Commanding Officer of a Battalion, successfully directed his battalion in seizing all assigned objectives. On 9 June, he, after his men had been once driven off Hill Fifty-Five by intense mortar and rifle fire, personally and without regard for his own safety, went forward and reorganized and led his battalion in a second assault which seized and held the hill, thereby enabling other units of the regiment to gain their objective quickly. His outstanding tactical judgment, sound knowledge of weapons, their disposition and advantageous employment, and his accurate estimates of his own and enemy forces and their capabilities contributed materially to the success of the operation. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.