The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*COOK, DONALD GILBERT
Rank and organization: Colonel, United
States Marine Corps, Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam. Place
and date: Vietnam, 31 December 1964 to 8 December, 1967. Entered Service at:
Brooklyn, New York. Date and place of birth: 9 August 1934, Brooklyn New York.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while interned as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of
Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December 1967. Despite the fact that by so
doing he would bring about harsher treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook
established himself as the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he was not.
Repeatedly assuming more than his share of their health, Colonel Cook willingly and
unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his own well-being and,
eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and drug allowance while
constantly nursing them, he risked infection from contagious diseases while in a rapidly
deteriorating state of health. This unselfish and exemplary conduct, coupled with his
refusal to stray even the slightest from the Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest
respect from not only his fellow prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate
for his own release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts by the Viet
Cong to break his indomitable spirit. and passed this same resolve on to the men whose
well-being he so closely associated himself. Knowing his refusals would prevent his
release prior to the end of the war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival
would be small in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a
Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected. His personal valor and exceptional
spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflected the highest credit upon
Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.
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