Morrill I. Cook, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Morrill I. Cook, Jr. (0-099662), Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron EIGHT (VF-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), during the “Air Battle of Midway,” against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. During the attack on our surface units by a strong force of enemy Japanese aircraft, Ensign Cook participated in the defense of our forces and with utter disregard for his own personal safety, courageously engaged and shot down two of the enemy attacking planes. This action, performed with fearless determination, contributed materially to the success attained by our forces and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.