Arnold I Cook
MilitaryDaughter, Gwynne Cook Pelton
Arnold Cook participated in Operation Neptune and dropped the 2-505 PIR, 82nd Airborne at H-Hour minus 6. Two days later, he flew a re-supply mission at 800 feet and his plane was hit 168 times in the left wing and tail section. Six days later, his plane landed behind Utah beach on a temporary airstrip to bring in whole blood and supplies, and transport 24 litter patients out. For his participation in these three missions, he was awarded the Air Medal in June 1944.
He also flew three missions during Operation Market Garden. The first mission dropped the 82nd Airborne during a daylight operation with very little opposition and no damage to his airplane. The second mission was a glider tow. His plane was the only plane that towed two gliders. His plane was # 81 in an 80 plane formation. They were hit twice by 20mm rounds, one in the tail section and the second through the cockpit floor. The third mission was flown into an abandoned canal and evacuated British Airborne troops out. The movie "A Bridge Too Far" was based on this operation. He was awarded the second Air Medal for these three missions in October 1944.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Troop Carrier
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
- Unit: 316th Troop Carrier Group 44th Troop Carrier Squadron
Missions
- Date: 6 June 1944
- Official Description:
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Revisions
Daughter, Gwynne Cook Pelton - I have all of my father's original medals hanging in my home.
My father's records were destroyed in the St. Louis Fire. His DD-214s and his verbal stories are my sources.
Arnold Cook is my father. I have all of his DD-214 and other military records validating his medals and years in service.
"Valor Without Arms" , A History of the 316th Troop Carrier Group, 1942-1945, by Michael N. Ingrisano Jr.