The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Lee C. Cook (MCSN: 0-54356), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Reconnaissance Company, Headquarters Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 October 1952. Under cover of darkness, Second Lieutenant Cook skillfully led a small group of men to an outpost position forward of the main line of resistance in preparation for a reconnaissance patrol into enemy territory. Although painfully wounded by the initial burst of an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage which was delivered on his unit and the outpost, inflicting numerous casualties, he unhesitatingly rushed forward with the remaining members of his group to assist the defenders of the outpost when an enemy ground attack was imminent. Finding that the officer-in-charge and all the noncommissioned officers were casualties, he immediately assumed command, quickly reorganized the surviving men, repositioned the undamaged weapons and prepared for the expected assault, Effectively adjusting supporting fires, he materially aided his outpost. Throughout the remainder of the night, he arranged for the evacuation of the casualties and the reinforcement and re-supply of the position and, refusing personal evacuation, voluntarily remained on the outpost until dawn. By his inspiring leadership, aggressive fighting spirit and courageous initiative, Second Lieutenant Cook contributed materially to the successful defense of the outpost and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.