Everett Cook
Encyclopedia
Captain Everett Richard Cook was a World War I flying ace
credited with five aerial victories. During World War II, Cook became Deputy Chief of Staff for the U. S. 8th Air Force.
Cook joined the U. S. Air Service in May 1917. By September 1918, he had risen to command of the 91st Aero Squadron. He used a Salmson 2
A2 for his five victories over German fighters in September and October 1918. His gunner for four of those wins was William T. Badham
. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion d'Honneur, and Croix de Guerre.
Cook served on General Billy Mitchell's staff postwar. He then joined the Memphis Cotton Exchange
, becoming its president in 1931.
In World War II, Cook served with the U. S. 8th Air Force in England and the Middle East, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and a Silver Star for his services.
Post World War II, Cook joined Eddie Rickenbacker
on the Board of Directors of Eastern Airlines.
(DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Everett Richard Cook, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Damvillers, France, September 26, 1918. While on a photographic mission in the vicinity of Damvillers which necessitated a penetration of 20 kilometers within the enemy lines, Captain Cook was attacked by seven enemy pursuit planes, and his plane was riddled with bullets. In spite of the attack he continued on his mission, turning only for our lines when his observer had secured photographs of great military value. In the combat one enemy aircraft was destroyed.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with five aerial victories. During World War II, Cook became Deputy Chief of Staff for the U. S. 8th Air Force.
Cook joined the U. S. Air Service in May 1917. By September 1918, he had risen to command of the 91st Aero Squadron. He used a Salmson 2
Salmson 2
|-References:* Davilla, James J., & Soltan, Arthur M., French Aircraft of the First World War. Stratford, Connecticut: Flying Machines Press, 1997. ISBN 0-9637110-4-0...
A2 for his five victories over German fighters in September and October 1918. His gunner for four of those wins was William T. Badham
William T. Badham
Lieutenant William Terry Badham was a World War I fighter ace credited with five victories. He later rose to the rank of brigadier general during World War II.-World War I:...
. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion d'Honneur, and Croix de Guerre.
Cook served on General Billy Mitchell's staff postwar. He then joined the Memphis Cotton Exchange
Memphis Cotton Exchange
The Memphis Cotton Exchange is located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, USA, on the corner of Front Street and Union Avenue. It was founded in 1874 as a result of the growing cotton market in Memphis. Cotton merchants of the time became aware of the need for a trade organization to regulate cotton...
, becoming its president in 1931.
In World War II, Cook served with the U. S. 8th Air Force in England and the Middle East, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and a Silver Star for his services.
Post World War II, Cook joined Eddie Rickenbacker
Eddie Rickenbacker
Edward Vernon Rickenbacker was an American fighter ace in World War I and Medal of Honor recipient. He was also a race car driver and automotive designer, a government consultant in military matters and a pioneer in air transportation, particularly as the longtime head of Eastern Air Lines.-Early...
on the Board of Directors of Eastern Airlines.
Honors and awards
Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
(DSC)
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Everett Richard Cook, Captain (Air Service), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Damvillers, France, September 26, 1918. While on a photographic mission in the vicinity of Damvillers which necessitated a penetration of 20 kilometers within the enemy lines, Captain Cook was attacked by seven enemy pursuit planes, and his plane was riddled with bullets. In spite of the attack he continued on his mission, turning only for our lines when his observer had secured photographs of great military value. In the combat one enemy aircraft was destroyed.