Lonnie Cook, USS Arizona Survivor

Lonnie D. Cook is one of the last five living survivors of the attack on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. He is 97 years old and has resided in his hometown of Morris, Ok with his wife since 1994. 


This past year has brought increased health challenges for both Mr. Cook and his wife, Marietta, who has been living in a nursing home the past few months recovering from a bad fall while Mr. Cook has been receiving around the clock care in his home.

They are now moving back to California to be close to their immediate family and will stay together in an assisted living facility where they can both receive the loving attention they need. Mr. Cook and his wife have been adamant about staying together for as long as their health allows.

Lonnie Cook, known to family as L.D., has visited the USS Arizona Memorial several times. The journeys have been difficult and the vivid memories hard to re-encounter. Because of this, he has declined many offers to return to Hawaii or travel for recognition elsewhere. He has said, “People make such a big deal about that one day (December 7, 1941), but the rest of the war was worse.”


This photo was taken of Mr. Cook the last time he went back to Hawaii for the 70th Anniversary of the bombing at Pearl Harbor. Here he stands next to Turret Number 3 which was not only his battle station and living quarters, it was the also the hole he climbed up and out of when he first escaped the sinking ship. He went back on several times to carry wounded shipmates off. Unbelievably, he signed up to go right back out to sea the day following the infamous attack. 

He saw action and traveled all over the globe between 1940 and 1948, notably seeing the flag raised at Iwa Jima and escorting President Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference. He also took part in the Battle of Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. 

Click on the following links to hear him talk about his service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LK2sRmffc0
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gixcoZ5vNtg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3zG3oPSE9E

Outside of the Navy, he spent many years as a welder. But, his favorite times were spent tinkering in his work shop, hunting, fishing, or bowling.


He and his wife, Marietta, of 68 years will once again be near their one daughter, two granddaughters, and one great-grandson. His family looks forward to spending as much treasured time with them as possible! Thank you, sincerely, for your contribution to his quality of life!

From left to right: their daughter, L.D. Cook, great-grandson, granddaughter and wife, Marietta. 
 
Pictured their second granddaughter with L.D. and Marietta.

Sincerely,
His daughter and granddaughters.