Major Julian Cook, Added to trooper page Options

[admin]

His civilian friends knew Major Julian Cook as Aaron but Julian stuck in his military carrier. Julian graduated Class of 1940 from The United States Military Academy at West Point. He went into the airborne form the 9th Division with his friend James E. McGinity also a West Point Grad. McGinty was killed in Normandy with the 505th. Julian named his only son after him. Major Cook jumped with Col. Tucker in his stick for the Sicily Jump. As he was standing up ready to jump flak hit the plane. Major Cook was wounded as he put it in the "can" and also in the thigh 1/8 of an inch away from his artery. Major Cook in Holland was the 3rd Bn Commander was tasked with the famous assault across the Waal River his first action as a Battalion Commander. With 26 boats (actually some were held in reserve for the second wave) he planned and executed the assault. The boats were assembled and someone yelled," Go". The 504th 3rd Bn attack was to be remembered as one of the most gallant rushes in history. Nobody paused. Men got out and began running toward the embankment and the enemy. Gen Horocks observing the action turned to Gen. Browning and said, "I have never seen a more gallant action". Major Cook went on to win the Distinguished Service Cross and retired a Colonel in the U.S. Army

(IMG:http://www.Strikehold504th.com/jim/Julian.JPG)

[admin]

(IMG:http://www.collectable-americana.com/images/105/101/2410/ABRIDGE2.jpg)

Robert Redfords (played Major Cook) actions were a compilation of what several troopers did on the Highway Bridge including the actions of T. Moffatt Burriss.

[appell8]

Jim, I was an admirer of Major Cook long before Robert Redford dared to play him and Major (?) Burriss and the others he embodied. Thank you for posting all that info -- and for the link to the film portrayal of him.

[admin]

Doug,

I have a photo of Colonel Cook my father and myself. Meeting him and others in the 504th means more to me then if I met the entire star studded cast of ABTF. If you would like I have two copies of Colonel Cooks communications with Cornelius Ryan I would be glad to mail them out to you. One is a questionnaire in Cooks hand another is a audio interview Ryan did reduced to writing.

At the Veterans Day Tribute in DC I saw a man with a copy of ABTF and it looked like it had many autographs from the Veterans. I wish I had done something similar. Well at least I have my memories.

Y.o.s.

Jim

[Kiwiwriter]

Is Julian Cook still around?

[appell8]

Jim, I would love to see them, but I'd better wait until my move settles down before I ask for them. Wow! A photo of Major Cook, your father, and you! Again, what a treasure trove you have to pass down to your kids.

I have long been in awe of the men who assaulted at Nijmegen. My respects to your father, and to all of his buddies who made that assault. y.o.s., Doug

[admin]

Is Julian Cook still around?

I don't believe so.

[admin]

Jim, I would love to see them, but I'd better wait until my move settles down before I ask for them. Wow! A photo of Major Cook, your father, and you! Again, what a treasure trove you have to pass down to your kids.

I have long been in awe of the men who assaulted at Nijmegen. My respects to your father, and to all of his buddies who made that assault. y.o.s., Doug

Doug,

Whenever you would like. It is no problem.

Y.o.s.

Jim McNamara

[Kiwiwriter]

Jim, I would love to see them, but I'd better wait until my move settles down before I ask for them. Wow! A photo of Major Cook, your father, and you! Again, what a treasure trove you have to pass down to your kids.

I have long been in awe of the men who assaulted at Nijmegen. My respects to your father, and to all of his buddies who made that assault. y.o.s., Doug

That Nijmegen river crossing was not just one of the great feats of the Second World War, it was one of the great feats of all wars.

I have the greatest respect and admiration for the men who made that crossing...especially those that never made it back.