Claude Thomas "Buddy" Cook
Sex: M
Birth: 20 DEC 1917
Death: 23 NOV 1943 in St. Omer, France of Killed in action (World War II)
Burial: 12 JUN 1949 Leesville Cem., Leesville, Vernon, Louisiana
Military Service: TSGT, 452 AAF Bomb Squadron, World War II

Father: Charles Edward Cook b: 1866 in Illinois
Mother: Florida Hagan b: 5 MAY 1875 in Vernon Parish, Louisiana
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He was the son of Charles Edward and Florida Hagan Cook. He was one of four children born to Charles and Florida. He completed high school, was single without children and working as a mechanic prior to enlisting.

He enlisted on 16 Feb 1942 at Jackson Army Airfield, Florida and was later assigned as an Engineer with the 452nd Bombardment Squadron-Medium, 322nd Bombardment Group, 3rd AAF.

After enlisting, he reported to MacDill Field, Florida where the 322nd Bomb Group was activated with it's subordinate squadrons (449th, 450th, 451st, 452nd) on 19 June, 1942. There Tec5 Cook went through training on B-17 Flying Fortress and B-26 Marauder aircraft. Later, he and his unit moved to Drane Field, Florida in late September, 1942 in preparation of deploying overseas. In December, 1942 the 452nd BS, 322nd BG was assigned to the 8th AAF

The 452nd departed final processing at Morrison Field, Florida in March, 1943 with their destination of RAF Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England. The last aircraft of the Group arrived on 29 May, 1943. Tec5 Cook didn't remain here long, for a short period later, the group was reassigned to RAF Andrews Field, Great Dunmow, Essex, England. From there he served as a crew member conducting bombing missions against German targets in France.

On 16 October, 1943, the 8th AAF transferred it's units, which included the 452nd BS, 322nd BG to the 9th AF, IX BC for its' preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

Tec5 Cook was a crew member-Engineer/Gunner on board B-26 Marauder, #41-31817 based out of Great Saling, East Sussex that was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery on 23 Nov 1943 over St. Omer-Wizerness, France. MACR 1187. According to records, there were no survivors. He was listed as killed-missing in action.

Provided by Rick Ervin