Cook, Orval R. (Orval Ray), 1898-1980

Orval Ray Cook (b. 1898, West Union, Ind.-d. March 18, 1980), U.S. Air Force officer and pilot, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1922 and from the Advanced Flying School in 1924, remaining there as an instructor. His early career included service with the 3rd Pursuit Squadron in the Philippines; as assistant engineering officer and flying instructor; study at the Air Corps Engineering School, the Air Corps Tactical School, and the Command and General Staff School. After assignments in the U.S. dealing with engineering, procurement, and production, he was ordered to the Southwest Pacific in June 1945. General Cook joined the Far East Air Forces on Okinawa where he established an Air Force Depot and directed supply and maintenance activities in that area. After cessation of hostilities, he was sent to Japan to establish an Air Depot and to assume command of the 7th Air Service Area Command, and to Manila to command the Far East Air Service Command. Later he served as deputy commander in chief, U.S. European Command, with Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany and then in Paris, France. He retired from Air Force service in June 1956.