The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant France Q. Cook (ASN: RA-33812713), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 5 May 1951, Sergeant Cook was accompanying a platoon of Company A on a patrol into enemy-held territory near Sochon, Korea, when it was suddenly pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from well-entrenched hostile positions. Sergeant Cook, operating a radio, exposed himself repeatedly to achieve the best transmission possible, taking up advantageous positions to direct accurate mortar fire upon the foe, and at one time braved intense enemy fire to assist a wounded comrade to safety. During the bitter encounter he observed a hostile group attempting an outflanking movement and radioed an aircraft overhead for an air strike which, in a short time, removed the serious threat. While the friendly patrol withdrew to its base, he called and directed artillery fire upon the pursuing enemy, thus breaking up his counterattack and allowing the patrol to return with few casualties. Sergeant Cook’s outstanding skill and gallantry under fire reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.