The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Master Sergeant Aron E. Cook (ASN: RA-6289766), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Master Sergeant Cook distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Konjiam-ni, Korea, on 14 February 1951. Sergeant Cook’s platoon was given the mission of securing an objective on Hill 578, which had been holding up the regiment’s advance for two days. After overcoming heavy mortar, machine-gun and small-arms fire, Sergeant Cook so skillfully directed the seizure of the objective that no casualties were suffered by his platoon. While reorganizing his platoon, Sergeant Cook and the machine-gunner were wounded as the enemy launched a fierce counterattack. Disregarding his own wound, Sergeant Cook rushed forward and rolled his comrade from an exposed position to one of comparative safety and then began firing the machine-gun himself. The enemy, suffering extremely heavy losses as a result of his devastating fire, concentrated their assault against Sergeant Cook’s position. When they pushed to within a few feet of his emplacement, Sergeant Cook leaped from his position and charged the enemy, throwing hand grenades. This sudden and aggressive act so demoralized the enemy that they broke and fled in confusion. Wounded a second time in this action, Sergeant Cook refused medical aid until he had assured himself that his platoon was effectively reorganized and its position consolidated. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Master Sergeant Cook on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.