THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am heartened you were returned home though I wish it had been under different circumstances. May you rest in eternal peace.

Semper Fortis

Dear LCdmr Wilmer Cook,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot.) I am glad you were identified in 1989. Welcome home. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

LCDR Wilmer P. Cook was killed in action on December 22, 1967 while leading an air strike in a Douglas A-4E from VF-155 off the USS CORAL SEA over North Vietnam. Highly decorated, he had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three times, including one earned in August 1966 for leading a successful air attack against intense enemy missile fire. He was also awarded, posthumously, the Silver Star medal for sinking enemy patrol boats that were attacking the surface fleet. Bill’s status, POW or KIA was not known until June 1988, when the Vietnamese returned his remains to US control. [Taken from usna56.org]

I was a Plank Owner on the COOK. I remember seeing his wife and 2 sons on the day we commissioned the COOK. I still remember how young the boys were and thinking how sad that day must have been for them. Served on the COOK for exactly 3 years in the boiler room.