Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Bailey
Cavenaugh
Cook
1914-08-02

–

1957-04-13

Home:

Washington

, 

D. C.

Buried: 

Denton

, 

Maryland

Cemetery:

Denton Cemetery

Bailey Cook was a non-graduating member of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1936. He retired in 1953 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Bailey Cavenaugh Cook, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a B-25 bomber during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    XII Bomber Command

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1943
    Headquarters, XII Bomber Command, General Orders No. 24 (October 2, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Bailey Cavenaugh Cook (ASN: 0-22570), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber of the XII Bomber Command, TWELFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, on 28 May 1943. Major Cook led two formations of B-25 Aircraft on a mission to bomb an airdrome. Despite the loss of his fighter escort, he continued on the course and disregarding 50 enemy fighter planes, completed the mission in which eleven enemy planes were destroyed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Cook, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.