The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Riley J. Cook (ASN: US-55006503), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. The 2d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, was withdrawing along a route on which the enemy had established a series of fire blocks. Company F was halted by intense fire delivered from machine guns emplaced on high ground. Corporal Cook quickly organized a volunteer squad composed of 7 members of the United Nations troops in the area. He led his heterogeneous group to a position overlooking the enemy machine guns and, armed with rifles and hand grenades, stormed the hostile positions. After a short and furious combat, the enemy withdrew from their emplacements. The enemy regrouped and, reinforced, launched a counterattack. Inspired by Corporal Cook’s boldness, his men held their ground and beat off two vicious onslaughts with heavy losses, thereby enabling his company to move through the roadblock. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Cook reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.