The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) John Melvin Cook (ASN: 0-34294), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Major Cook distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Taepyong-ni, Korea, on 16 July 1950. During an attack the enemy had penetrated the front lines and placed the battalion command post under intense small-arms fire. Major Cook organized the men at the command post and led them in a counterattack. He was instrumental in knocking out several automatic weapons by the use of grenades, he then engaged the enemy at close quarters, killing one with his pistol and bayoneting another. In this heroic action Major Cook was killed. The military skill and aggressive leadership displayed on this occasion by Major Cook reflects high credit on himself and the military service of his country.