The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Eugene Cook (ASN: 0-30736), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving was Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Anju, Korea, on 4 November 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Cook’s battalion was subjected to a furious frontal attack by a numerically superior enemy force. When communications was lost between his observation point and the front line companies, Lieutenant Colonel Cook, completely unmindful of his own safety, moved through intense fire to a far forward position where he directed the successful defense. The enemy, regrouping and strongly reinforced, launched a still more furious assault which penetrated the flank of the battalion. Realizing that his position was rapidly becoming untenable he ordered a withdrawal to more formidable positions. Utterly disregarding the intensity of the fire sweeping the area he personally directed the movement of all elements of his battalion and was the last officer to withdraw. His continued presence amid the withering fire was an inspiration to all who fought about him. Colonel Kook’s gallant actions, exemplar leadership and complete devotion to duty reflect great credit on himself and the United States Infantry.