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 Harry M. Cook, Jr. (ASN: RA-6584673), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 29 November 1950, in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. Sergeant Cook’s company was committed as infantry and given the mission of defending a hill near the Division Command post. Upon taking the hill which was assigned it was discovered that there were no officers in the immediate area and Sergeant Cook immediately assumed command. He then dispersed the men and went from position to position giving encouragement to the men while being under constant fire all the time. When the gunner of a .30 caliber machine gun was wounded, Sergeant Cook ran to the gun and fired with deadly accuracy into the enemy troops and positions. The gallantry displayed by Sergeant Cook reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.