The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Technical Sergeant Rex L. Cooke, United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life as a Lineman, 618th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, during Typhoon Ruth, on 14 October 1951 and 15 October 1951. During the height of the typhoon, under extremely adverse conditions, Sergeant Cooke, with complete disregard for personal safety, ascended power poles and cut free the branch power lines leading to various buildings as they became demolished by the typhoon. By his courageous actions, Sergeant Cooke reduced the possibility of a greater danger of exposed electrical wires and the threat of fire. Further, Sergeant Cooke’s heroic actions enabled the emergency crew to continue work without fear of hazardous conditions. Through his immediate action in an emergency situation, and his selfless courage in risking his life to protect others, Sergeant Cooke reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.