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 (Field Artillery) Donald E. Cook (ASN: 0-1081467), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 September 1951 in the vicinity of pia-ri, Korea. On this date Lieutenant Cook was serving in the capacity of an artillery forward observer with a friendly unit which had the mission of attacking and securing a vital hill defended by a numerically superior enemy force. During the ensuing action the unit was pinned down by a withering cross-fire from enemy small arms and was being subjected to intense hostile mortar fire. Lieutenant Cook realizing that the unit was in a desperate situation unless the enemy fire could be neutralized, advanced under direct enemy fire to a position where he could more effectively adjust the friendly artillery fire. In spite of the intense mortar shells falling in the immediate vicinity, he remained in an exposed position adjusting artillery fire with devastating effect. His heroic action neutralized the hostile fire and permitted the friendly unit to regroup and continue its attack with a minimum of casualties. The gallantry in action and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cook reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.