The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Kenneth O. Cook (MCSN: 0-41165), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 3 December 1950. With his company positions overrun by a numerically superior hostile force, First Lieutenant Cook, although suffering severe pain from frozen feet, staunchly remained on the hill until he had supervised the evacuation of all casualties. Although barely able to walk, he organized a composite platoon and personally led them in an assault against the hill, consistently exposing himself to the intense hostile fire to direct and control the fire of his men until he had succeeded in establishing a hasty defense and in halting the enemy’s advance. By his aggressive and inspiring leadership, fortitude and superb combat tactics, First Lieutenant Cook contributed materially to the successful defense of his company and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.