Orville Melvin Cook

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Orville Melvin Cook, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Tokyo Bay Area, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Participating in a dive-bombing attack against an enemy battleship at the Yokosuka Naval Base, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, cook skillfully pressed home his attack in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and scored a direct hit on the target. By his aggressive airmanship and courage under fire, he contributed materially to the infliction of severe damage on the warship and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01865 (September 18, 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Orville Melvin Cook, Lieutenant, Junior Grade [then Ensign], U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Participating in a long-range attack on major units of the Japanese Fleet, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cook skillfully maneuvered his plane to evade determined fighter opposition and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire in the ensuing action and assisted essentially in the sinking of a large enemy aircraft carrier, in the probable sinking of another large carrier and in shooting down two enemy fighter planes. Upon fulfillment of the critical mission, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cook succeeded in completing the long return flight to base and in effecting a safe night landing aboard the LEXINGTON. His cool courage, skilled airmanship and devotion to duty throughout this decisive action reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cook and the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0362 (July 8, 1944)