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Congressional Daily Record
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April 6, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. JOE WILSON
of south carolina
in the house of representatives
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize 100-year-old Staff Sergeant Phillip Bruce Cook, a proven patriotic resident of Lexington, South Carolina, on his reception of the French Legion of Honor medal, as well as his invaluable contribution to victory in World War II.
Staff Sgt. Cook is receiving the French Legion of Honor medal for a career of profound courage and leadership as he served as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force 379th Bomb Group, 524th Bomb Squadron.
Staff Sgt. Cook was born in Swansea, South Carolina, on September 23, 1925, and from a young age, he had a passion for flying. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received training as an aerial gunner.
turret gunner flying over France. This was a particularly dangerous role aboard a B-17 bomber.
Over the course of his service, Staff Sgt. Cook flew a total of 35 missions.
Eighth Air Force heavy bomber groups. The unit held records as far as bomb tonnage dropped—26,459 tons—more than any other group, including those in operation before the 379th even arrived in England.
Staff Sgt. Cook was honorably discharged in 1945. Following the war, he returned to Lexington and attended a trade school to learn how to repair watches and clocks.
receiving the French Legion of Honor medal on April 9th, 2026, at the South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation in Columbia. This medal is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit and recognizes those brave men and women who have done great deeds for France. Following a comprehensive examination of his military record and post war life experiences, French President Emmanuel Macron approved his application.
I am grateful to Staff Sgt. Cook for his incredible service and unwavering dedication to America. I wish him and his family all the best.