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2nd Lt John A. Cook graduated from Lewiston High School in 1938 and attended college for one year. He was employed as a driver at Mutual Creamery.
He moved to Seattle, Washington in June, 1942 and enlisted on 3 August 1942.
The personnel of the 670th Bomber Squadron were housed in tents and wooden buildings at Laon-Athies Air Base. An A-26 of the 669th Squadron, piloted by Lt R.K. Johnson had an engine shot out and attempted to land. After making a first pass, he pulled up but turned into his dead engine, so he didn't have enough pulling power, causing the airplane to stall. As it headed toward the tents, some pilots were watching the landings, saw Lt Johnson's plane coming toward them and ran. They did not get clear enough. The plane struck a wooden building. Three pilots were hit, being Lt. John Cook, Lt. T.S. (Ted) Merritt and Lt. (Stan) Sheley. Lt. Cook suffered a fractured skull, hips and legs, causing him to lose his life. The two other pilots were wounded. Pilot Johnson was trapped in his wreckage for about an hour and was dragged out, suffering a broken collar bone and cuts about the face. His gunner, Sgt. Brandt escaped injury.

Lt Cook was first buried at Temporary American Military Cemetery Champigneul, France.