LAWRENCE BLANCHARD COOK, United States Navy. For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of a Warship in action against enemy Japanese forces in Surigao Strait, Philippine Islands, on the night of October 25, 1944. When a formidable column of Japanese battleships, cruisers and destroyers was encountered advancing through the Strait in the darkness of the early morning hours, Commander Cook daringly and with brilliant tatical ability directed the ship against fierce and prolonged enemy gunfire and, skillfully placing his ship in an advantageous striking position despite extremely hazardous conditions, launched a devastating, accurate torpedo attack, subsequently withdrawing from the area without damage to his vessel. By his forceful leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds, Commander Cook contributed materially to the decisive defeat of the aggressive enemy force and his valiant conduct throughout reflects great credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.

Captain Cook joined the L.O.V. in 1987 and resides in California.