COLUMBIA, S.C. – A Hero’s Tribute to a Living Legend
In a heartwarming ceremony at the South Carolina Military Museum, a remarkable milestone was celebrated – the honor of 99-year-old Bruce Cook, one of the few remaining World War II veterans. Born in Swansea, South Carolina, on September 23, 1925, Cook’s journey from a young boy with a dream of flying to a seasoned war hero is nothing short of inspiring.
A Dream to Fly
From an early age, Cook knew he wanted to be a pilot. As the clouds of World War II gathered on the horizon, he enlisted at the tender age of 17, right at Columbia Airbase, excited to take on the skies. His path took him to basic training in Key Field, Mississippi, and then onto the aviation cadet program. However, not all dreams unfold as we hope. Cook recalls the day he found out, “I learned it was my attitude regarding military aviation, and that was one of the worst days of my life.”
Shifting Gears
Despite the setback, Cook’s spirit soared high as he embraced a new role as a ball turret gunner after opting for gunner school in Laredo, Texas. The training was rigorous, with Cook and his fellow recruits learning every little detail about 50 caliber machine guns. Blindfolded assembly and disassembly became second nature before Cook found himself heading overseas.
Across the Pond
After completing his training in South Dakota, Cook made the long journey to England, battling pneumonia not once but twice along the way. With 12 missions under his belt before being declared fit to fly, nerves gripped him as he prepped for his first real mission on August 30, 1944. He admits, “I didn’t realize what all was involved… all I heard was what people were talking about and how dangerous the ball turret was.” That was an understatement.
The First Mission
On that eventful day, Cook faced a terrifying challenge: he couldn’t fit into his position in the ball turret with his parachute. The pilot encouraged him to set it aside, leaving Cook to fly the whole mission without it – a daunting prospect. “What if we get shot down, and I don’t have a parachute?” he recalls thinking, and rightly so; danger was lurking in every cloud.
Memories of Combat
As his missions rolled on, Cook’s experiences were a mix of terror and triumph. He remembers vividly a harrowing moment when a German fighter plane targeted them. “I was just trying to stop the fighter from coming towards me,” he said, as flak filled the air around them. His bravery saw him through over 35 missions while flying the famous B-17 aircraft.
The Price of War
Like many veterans, Cook also carries the weight of loss. He reflected on a somber day when he watched a friend’s plane catch fire, leading to a drastic decision for his buddy, leading to captivity as a POW. Such moments haunt the heart but also forge a special connection between those who serve.
Homecoming and Reflection
Cook completed his service and returned to South Carolina, filled with a sense of gratitude but also melancholy for the friends he lost. Upon returning, he experienced the warm embrace of a grateful nation, and he shares, “Back then, everybody was so appreciative of your service.”
A Life Beyond Service
After the war, Cook married, raised a family, and continued to touch lives by teaching Sunday School at Northside Baptist. Looking back, he wishes everyone understood, “the sacrifices that some of these guys have made for the freedoms that we have.” Even at 99, his spirit is a testament to resilience and love for family and country.
Today, as Cook is honored among other veterans, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the legacy of those who bravely fought in World War II – a legacy filled with dreams, disappointments, courage, and above all, a commitment to freedom.
