100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Awarded France's Highest Honor

South Carolina man who served as a ball turret gunner receives the National Order of the French Legion of Honor.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:23pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a World War II-era bomber aircraft resting on a tarmac, its metal fuselage and wings glowing in warm, angled sunlight, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation and reverence for the veteran's wartime experiences.The solemn recognition of a WWII veteran's heroic service reminds us of the profound sacrifices made to protect our allies.Columbia Today

A 100-year-old World War II veteran from South Carolina, Bruce Cook, was awarded France's highest decoration, the National Order of the French Legion of Honor, for his service as a ball turret gunner on a bomber aircraft during the war. Cook flew 35 missions, an incredible total for one of the most hazardous assignments in WWII, and is now one of a few thousand American veterans to receive this prestigious honor.

Why it matters

The ball turret gunner position was one of the most dangerous roles in WWII bomber crews, with an estimated lifespan of just two minutes during air combat. Cook's survival and heroic service protecting European allies highlights the immense sacrifices and bravery of those who served in this critical role, and his recognition by France underscores the lasting gratitude of America's allies for the service and sacrifice of WWII veterans.

The details

At age 18, Cook served as a ball turret gunner on a bomber aircraft, operating twin .50 caliber machine guns from a cramped and exposed Plexiglas sphere suspended from the underbelly of B-17 or B-24 bombers. Depending on the mission and time of the war, entire U.S. bomber crews could experience 50-70% casualties, with ball turret gunners facing some of the highest risks. However, Cook survived his nearly three dozen missions tasked with protecting the air space above European allies.

  • In 2026, at the age of 100, Cook was awarded France's highest decoration, the National Order of the French Legion of Honor.
  • Cook served as a ball turret gunner for two years during World War II, starting when he was 18 years old.

The players

Bruce Cook

A 100-year-old World War II veteran from South Carolina who served as a ball turret gunner on a bomber aircraft, flying 35 missions during the war, an incredible total for one of the most hazardous assignments.

Anne-Laure Desjonqueres

The French Consul General who awarded Cook the National Order of the French Legion of Honor, France's highest civil and military distinction.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Cook, you are a true hero — your example gives us inspiration for the future and your legacy provides a moral compass for generations to come.”

— Anne-Laure Desjonqueres, French Consul General

“There is no way that I can even attempt to explain the feeling. As far as I'm concerned, I am so unworthy. I want to be a representative of the people who didn't come back. They are the ones who paid the real sacrifice.”

— Bruce Cook

The takeaway

Cook's recognition by France for his heroic service as a ball turret gunner during WWII serves as a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices and bravery of those who served in this critical but perilous role, and the lasting gratitude of America's allies for the service and sacrifice of WWII veterans.