World War II Honoree

James C. Cook

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Tacoma, Washington

Honored By

Mr. Steve Cook

Relationship

Grandson

Was a Seaman on the USS Strong when it was sunk July 5, 1943 in Kula Gulf, Solomon Islands. He swam 10 miles to Japanese held New Georgia Island. He hid for 10 days, existing on coconuts before finding an abandoned camp with a canoe. He made it to a Marine encampment and evacuated. After a hospital stay he was reassigned to the USS Porterfield DD-682 until his discharge not long after.