COOK, JAMES R. – SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT, USAF

COOK, JAMES R. – SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT, USAF

COOK, JAMES R. – SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT, USAF

Class of 1959
Service: U.S. Air Force
Service Dates: 1963-1975
Rank: SMSGT
MOS: Flight Control Mechanic
Notable: POW
Born 1941 graduated New Hanover High School 1959. Cook graduated from University of North Carolina-Wilmington graduating with a BS in Chemistry. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was trained as a flight control mechanic on the TM-76-A Missile system. After serving with Missile Maintenance and Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, he was deployed to Southeast Asia. Returning to the U.S. he cross-trained as a B-52 Stratofortress gunner and served with the 51st Bomb Squadron before being assigned to U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand. After serving 180+ missions, Sgt Cook was flying as a last-minute replacement gunner on a night mission. He was still in his stricken aircraft when it exploded over North Vietnam during Operation Linebacker II and was taken as a Prisoner of War. After spending 48 days in captivity, he was released due to his multiple life-threatening injuries during Operation Homecoming. After 16 months recuperating with multiple bone injuries and losing both legs below the knee, he was medically retired. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with Valor Device, 9 Air Medals, and Prisoner of War Medal
Accolades: Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, 2 Purple Hearts, Bronze Star with Valor device, 9 Air Medals, and the POW Medal

Mission

New Hanover High School Alumni Organization mission is to establish and enhance alumni relations within the New Hanover High School community and to promote education and historical preservation.