World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his mother) from US Army Major General Jonathan W. Anderson at Fort Sam Houston, Texas on October 30, 1944, for his actions as a lieutenant colonel with the 3rd Battalion, 502md Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, US Army, on June 11, 1944, near Carentan, France, following the Allied D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France. The son of a US Army doctor, he joined the US Army i July 1934 and the following year he was discharged to accept an appointment to the S Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated in 1939 with a commission as a 2nd lieutenant and after receiving his parachute training, he rose in rank to lieutenant colonel before being sent to the European Theater of Operations. He made his first combat jump on D-Day (June 6, 1944) as part of the Allied invasion. His courage and valor over the next six days would eventually win him the Medal of Honor. He was killed by a German sniper in Holland on September 18, 1944 during Operation Market Garden. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last four bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned down to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machine-gun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lt. Col. Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service." The junior and senior high schools of the Fort Sam Houston, Texas School District are named in his honor.