AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting Lieutenant (junior grade) Charles A. Cook Jr. for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of a jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron EIGHTY-TWO, embarked in USS AMERICA (CVA 66). On 6 September 1968, Lieutenant (junior grade) COOK, immediately upon learning of the crash of another aircraft in the extremely hostile and heavily populated area of Vinh, North Vietnam, navigated to the scene to assist his flight leader in search and rescue efforts. Despite heavy 37mm, automatic weapons, and small arms fire directed at his aircraft, he conducted a hazardous low altitude electronic search for the downed crewmen with total disregard of his personal safety. After locating the crewmen, he skillfully vectored the rescue helicopter over their position, and though unarmed, courageously made repeated low altitude passes over the active anti-aircraft sites to divert their fire from the helicopter. His daring actions were directly responsible for the successful night rescue of one of the crewmen and an exhaustive search for the other. Lieutenant (junior grade) COOK's bold and timely actions and great courage in the face of grave personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.