Marine John Cook Awarded Freedom Medal

Last Thursday, November 12, Marine John J. V. Cook of Havertown, pictured above, was one of the six veterans honored by the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association with its Freedom Medal. This was the Association’s Second Annual Freedom Medal Dinner which was attended by over 600 guests who were present to honor Delaware County veterans. Marine Cook, a member of the Gen. Smedley D. Butler Marine Corps League Detachment in Newtown Square, saw combat in Korea with then Colonel Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller’s First Marine Division. In addition, John is a Korean War and Marine Corps historian of sorts, having compiled numerous books on those topics and who reminds that Chesty Puller retired as a Lt. General and is the most decorated Marine in history.

Prior to the dinner, the Gen. Butler Detachment Honor Guard presented the Flag of the United States for the singing of the National Anthem and the rendering of Echo Taps by ceremonial buglers Dan Fitzpatrick and Lloyd Spangler, both also of the Butler Detachment.