Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

Citation:
Major Julian A. Cook, Infantry, distinguished himself on 20 September 1944 at Nijmegen, Holland. Major Cook, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry, led his battalion with unparalleled bravery in the initial assault wave during the daring daylight crossing of the Waal River. Although his boatload suffered heavy casualties as a result of the incessant enemy small arms and artillery fire which raked the 250 yard wide stream, he guided the barge safely ashore. Although still under heavy fire, Major Cook remained on the river bank directing the remainder of his battalion coming ashore. On several occasions he plunged back into the river to pull damaged boats ashore and to care for the wounded. During the crossing heavy casualties were suffered, but Major Cook quickly reorganized the remainder of his battalion and led it successfully from objective to objective during the 4000-yard attack, until the north end of the Nijmegen bridge was reached and seized. Major Cook's thoroughness in effecting rapid reorganization and consolidation after the seizure of each intermediate objective was highly instrumental in the success of the entire operation. Major Cook's heroic actions reflect the finest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant Colonel

Unit:

Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For having distinguished himself by performing excellent acts of courage, conduct and loyalty during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division in the area of the city of NIJMEGEN between September 17th and October 4th, 1944. Thereby having displayed repetitiously outstanding devotion to duty and great perseverance and in all respects having set a praiseworthy example and having been an inspiration to all during those gloriousc days.

Royal Decree dated October 8th, 1945 Nr. 31

Royal Decree No. 31 dated October 8th 1945.