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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain William Robert Cooke, Jr. (NSN: 0-57001), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, Amphibious Training Base, Solomons, Maryland, from November 1943 to February 1945. Captain Cooke supervised the training of amphibious personnel and the organization and equipping of the training activities which schooled personnel for duty in newly developed types of landing craft. Under his expert and far sighted direction, inexperienced personnel were formed into efficient and competent crews fully qualified for the performance of their hazardous and vital mission in amphibious operations. The outstanding record achieved in amphibious assaults in all theaters of war by these specialized craft resulted from the complete and diversified training received under Captain Cooke’s direction by a large number of the engaged personnel. The extraordinary ability, initiative, and foresight displayed by Captain Cooke in the performance of duties of vital importance to the successful prosecution of the war reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    August 14 – September 1, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 002124 (October 12, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain William Robert Cooke, Jr. (NSN: 0-57001), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in naval operations against an armed enemy as Commander of a squadron of destroyers and of the convoys escorted thereby in the operation against Vella Lavella during the period from 14 August to 1 September 1943. The entire convoys, throughout the entire period, were subjected to repeated and determined air attacks by enemy dive bombers and torpedo planes, but all attacks were beaten off without the loss of a single ship through enemy aircraft action. The successful execution of the seizure and maintenance of the base on Vella Lavella is considered to be in a large measure attributable to Captain Cooke’s skill, determination, and intelligent leadership. His performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.