The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Russell L. Cook (ASN: 37070960), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, 17 July 1944. As a support platoon moved forward to protect the right flank of Company E, *** Infantry, which was advancing against stiff resistance, the platoon was pinned down by machine gun fire from a well-concealed emplacement. Private Cook voluntarily crawled a distance of some fifty yards in the direction of the enemy machine gun. Then, after signaling to his platoon sergeant to “watch me,” stood upright and ran toward the enemy machine gun, which opened fire and killed him instantly. By his heroic self-sacrifice, Private Cook enabled his platoon sergeant to ascertain the exact position of the enemy emplacement, and it was thereupon destroyed by mortar fire. The gallantry in action on the part of Private Cook reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.