COOK, DALLAS H.

Pineville, W. Va., Oct. 24 – Sergeant Dallas Cook, former Wyoming County youth and brother of Mrs. Chess Stewart of Oceana reported as missing in action last August [18, 1942] while in the service of the U.S. Marines has recently been recommended for the highest commendation from President Roosevelt, according to a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Evans F. Carlson to Andrew F. Cook, father of the young hero who resides at Red Jacket.

A copy of Lieutenant Colonel Carlson’s letter is given here:

“It is with very deepest sympathy that I inform you that your son, Sergeant Dallas H. Cook was listed as missing after the raid on Makin, on 17-18 of August.

“While there is no positive evidence, I believe there is little question he was lost at sea. He was one of the five boys who regained the ship after the withdrawal and who volunteered to take a boat to the beach and pick up those of us who remained with the wounded. While this boat was enroute to the beach it was strafed and sunk by enemy planes.

“Dallas was a first rate Marine and every inch a man. He did valiant work during the battle of Makin. His final act of risking his life on behalf of his comrades was wholly in line with his character. For this act which was above and beyond the call of duty, I have recommended Dallas for the highest honor within the power of the Commander-in-Chief to award. This can be but small solace to you, and cannot compensate you for his loss, but it will provide material evidence of the esteem in which his memory is held by comrades here.

“Your son was a man and a true patriot. The officers and the men of this command and I join with you in mourning his loss.”

Sincerely,

Evans F. Carlson,
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S.M.C.R.
Commanding