The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Larry D. Cook, United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 10 July 1969, while serving as a squad leader in Company B, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during an airmobile operation in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the operation, elements of the company supported by Troop D, 3d Squadron, 5th Cavalry, encountered a large enemy force in a dense woodline. In the ensuing action, the company commander was wounded and evacuated, increasing the responsibility of subordinate leader, including Sergeant Cook. Under heavy enemy fire, Sergeant Cook led his men against two dug-in enemy emplacements, capturing the emplacements and eliminating the enemy. During this action, Sergeant Cook took up an exposed position in order to direct the attack, ignoring the danger to which he was exposed. He personally was responsible for the elimination of three of the enemy and personally captured two rifles, three grenades, one enemy rocket launcher, and more than 400 rounds of ammunition, and other valuable supplies. Sergeant Cook’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.