James Black Cook

James Cook grew up in the Bettendorf. He entered the Army in 1967 and trained in communications. 1st Lieutenant Cook arrived in Vietnam in February 1968 and joined D Company, 40th Signal Battalion. The company specialized in heavy cable construction and repair. Al though based at Phu Tai near Qui Nhon, it worked throughout the Central Highlands. They often were drawn into combat situations as well, particularly during the TET Offensive of 1968. Cook was killed August 3, 1968 in a non-hostile accident in Phu Tai. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia.