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Remember...Donald Moore Cookman
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| Donald Moore Cookman was born February 1, 1920, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the second child of Harley and Ruth Moore Cookman. The family moved to Romney, where Harley became chief of police. Donald attended public schools in Hampshire County, graduating from Romney High School on May 27, 1937. He attended Potomac State College in 1937 and 1938 after which he attended West Virginia University. While a student at West Virginia University he majored in history and was a member of the Men's Glee Club. Donald also played basketball and was a member of the thespians. |  Donald Cookman high school diploma |
Donald enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year but received his degree in history on May 18, 1942. He was called into service April 5, 1941, and went to Quantico, Virginia, where he entered Officer Training School and received a commission as a second lieutenant. He was transferred to New River, North Carolina, and later to Camp Elliot, California. After being stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, he went to the South Pacific. In February of 1943 he was promoted to first lieutenant.
On November 13, 1943, Lieutenant Cookman was taking part in a Marine action in the area of Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. While aiding a wounded comrade, he was killed by a sniper. At first, he was buried in the military cemetery a Bougainville, but on February 17, 1949, he was reburied in Arlington National Cemetery.
West Virginia Archives and History welcomes any additional information that can be provided about these veterans, including photographs, family names, letters and other relevant personal history.
