Ernest T. Cook, Jr.
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps

Ernest T. Cook, Jr. was born on 26 January 1935 in Charleston, SC. 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 U.S. 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, VA, 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. Later he was Commanding General of 7th MAB at Twentynine Palms, CA.

On 1 October 1987, General Cook was promoted to Lieutenant General and 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, VA.

On 1 October 1991, he retired from the Marine Corps after thirty-four years of service.

Medals and Awards

Defense Superior Service Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Navy Commendation Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Stars
Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry

Death and Burial

Lieutenant General Ernest T. Cook, Jr. died on 4 May 2000 in Charleston, SC. He is buried at Saint Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, SC.