[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8459]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DONALD L. COOK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JASON T. SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2014

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Donald 
L. Cook who on May 18, 2014, was recognized for his service in the Army 
of the United States during World War II.
  Don rose through the ranks achieving the status of Technical Sergeant 
while assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division 
and served at various locations across this country before being 
deployed to New Caledonia, followed by the arduous battles on the 
island of Luzon in the Philippines, prior to taking up occupation 
duties in Japan.
  He was presented with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the 
Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters as well as many other 
accolades almost seventy years after the conflict ended. He, as did 
many of this generation sought no rewards, they merely went home after 
the war to raise their families, and make this the greatest nation in 
the world.
  Son of the late Annabell and Oscar Cook, he resided in Lesterville, 
Missouri where he and his wife Luellen Laramore Cook raised four 
children. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren and thirteen 
great-grandchildren.
  He served his community as a teacher and principal. Additionally, he 
was the proprietor of Black River Floats and Canoe service, and active 
in numerous service organizations.
  Mr. Cook will celebrate his ninetieth birthday on July 2, 2014. It is 
my privilege to recognize Donald L. Cook's achievements before the 
House of Representatives with a hearty thank you from a grateful 
nation.

                          ____________________