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 Captain (Infantry) Lyndol Leon Cook (ASN: 0-98647), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 7 November 1967 through 9 November 1967. Captain Cook distinguished himself while serving as Company Commander of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry. On 7 November 1967, Company A was searching an area in vicinity of Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam. The platoon with which Captain Cook was moving encountered an enemy force of undetermined size in a tunnel complex close to the area in which Company A was about to set up its perimeter for the night. With total disregard for his own safety, Captain Cook repeatedly exposed himself to the intense enemy fire while moving his troops and directing their accurate return fire. When a number of his troops were engaged by a heavy volume of enemy small arms fire, Captain Cook, braving the numerous rounds hitting about him, shouted words of encouragement to his embattled soldiers, and through his persuasive leadership, inspired the embattled paratroopers to resume and continue their aggressive attacks. His mission far from complete, Captain Cook continued to lead his men in search of the NVA. On 9 November 1967, Company A moved as a blocking force into a night defensive perimeter. At approximately 2100 hours, one of the guard positions on the company perimeter reported a suspected enemy platoon attempting to move past the company position. Captain Cook immediately instructed one platoon on the perimeter to assume an ambush position. At Captain Cook’s command, the ambush was sprung. A devastating battle erupted. Those enemy soldiers not killed initially returned a heavy volume of fire and commenced a fierce counter attack on the ambush position. Captain Cook immediately grasped the situation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, again moved among his embattled troopers, inspiring them by his personal example, and directing their return fire. Captain Cook’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.