Lt. Jon Cook from Kershaw passed away. He was in the 1st Air Cav and was severely wounded in the battle of the Ia Drang valley, in Nov. 65. Left him a paraplegic, but he remained an inspiration to all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Wanted to add this from his obituary, and I stand corrected on the Ia Drang battle. He was wounded later.
After graduating from Coker College, Jon enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed in 1965 to Vietnam with the 1st Calvary Division, Second Battalion, 5th Regiment. On January 18, 1966, Jon was injured in combat in Vietnam and was paralyzed from his chest down. Although Jon never walked again, his courage for the next 53 years was evident to all who knew him. For his Army service, Jon received numerous awards and medals including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal,Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Medal. After returning home from Vietnam, Jon inspired many people and coached many youngsters at different sports in the Kershaw area.
Wanted to add this from his obituary, and I stand corrected on the Ia Drang battle. He was wounded later.
After graduating from Coker College, Jon enlisted in the United States Army and was deployed in 1965 to Vietnam with the 1st Calvary Division, Second Battalion, 5th Regiment. On January 18, 1966, Jon was injured in combat in Vietnam and was paralyzed from his chest down. Although Jon never walked again, his courage for the next 53 years was evident to all who knew him. For his Army service, Jon received numerous awards and medals including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal,Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Medal. After returning home from Vietnam, Jon inspired many people and coached many youngsters at different sports in the Kershaw area.
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