[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2048]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF RAYMOND E. COOK OF THE FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2015

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the tremendous service of Raymond E. Cook of Brimfield, 
Massachusetts who received the Congressional Gold Medal along with his 
comrades of the First Special Service Force on February 3, 2015.
  The First Special Service Force was an elite military unit during 
World War II comprised of volunteers from the United States and Canada. 
This unit was specifically trained to fight behind enemy lines in the 
most inhospitable conditions. They distinguished themselves on multiple 
occasions, most notably for their critical role in Allied victories in 
Italy, North Africa, southern France, and Anzio Beach. The unit became 
known as the ``Black Devils'' because they would blacken their faces 
for nighttime missions.
  Raymond served as an United States Army Ranger before joining the 
First Special Service Force in early 1944 and remained with them until 
the unit was disbanded at the end of that year. Raymond continued to 
serve in the Army until he was honorably discharged in October 1945. 
During his tour of service, Raymond was awarded two Purple Hearts for 
the injuries he sustained during combat.
  Mr. Speaker, Raymond Cook fought courageously for the ideals of 
freedom and peace that our nation holds dear. I want to thank him for 
his service and congratulate him on receiving the highest award that 
Congress can bestow.

                          ____________________