United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General. Cook's early education was in the local schools of Charleston. After graduation from the College of Charleston in 1958 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. During his career he commanded an infantry battalion, served aboard the USS Northampton and served three tours of duty with the 2nd Marine division. In 1967 he served in Vietnam as the Operations Officer of the 1st Marine Regiment. He later commanded the Basic School at Quantico, Virginia where all new Marine Officers are trained. Cook also served at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps in Washington DC. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1982 and assigned as the Deputy Director J-3 of the U. S. European Command and subsequently was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Training at Headquarters Marine Corps. In 1986 he was promoted to Major General and assigned as the Commanding General of the Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center and Commanding General 7th MAB at Twentynine Palms, California. On October 1, 1987 General Cook was promoted to Lieutenant General upon the recommendation of President Regan. He was then assigned as Commanding General II MEF/Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Fleet Marine Force Europe. In 1990 he commenced what would be his final active duty assignment as Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command/Commanding General Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. On October 1, 1991 he retired from the Marine Corps. During his thirty four years of service he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with combat "V", the Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, the Vietnamese Cross for gallantry, plus numerous other campaign medals and ribbons.