South Carolina 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Passed House Bipartisan · 3 R · 2 D cosponsors

H 5099 — Sgt. Bruce Cook awarded the French Legion of Honor from WWII

Last action — Scrivener's error corrected

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the House. Introduced February 05, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Passed House

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 124 sponsors

    124 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (3 R · 2 D) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT PHILLIP BRUCE COOK FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS NOMINATION BY FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AS A CHEVALIER IN THE ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, THE HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONOR OF MERIT TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GREAT DEEDS FOR FRANCE.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

72 added · 13 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated version of Bill H 5099 recognizes Staff Sergeant Phillip Bruce Cook for his bravery and service during World War II, changing the wording from "nomination" to "selection" by French President Emmanuel Macron for the prestigious Chevalier title in the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur. This change highlights the final decision that honors Cook rather than suggesting he was merely under consideration. This distinction matters because it emphasizes the significance of his achievements and the formal recognition he has received for his contributions during the war.

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24, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026(Text matches printed bills.
05, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online South Carolina General Assembly126th Session, 2025-2026Bill 5099Indicates Matter StrickenIndicates New Matter(Text matches printed bills.
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.) A house RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT PHILLIP BRUCE COOK FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS NOmination BY FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AS A CHEVALIER IN THE ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, THE HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONOR OF MERIT TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GREAT DEEDS FOR FRANCE.
Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)                 A house RESOLUTION   TO RECOGNIZE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT PHILLIP BRUCE COOK FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS SELECTION BY FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AS A CHEVALIER IN THE ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, THE HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONOR OF MERIT TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GREAT DEEDS FOR FRANCE.
Whereas, conceived over two centuries ago by Napoléon Bonaparte, Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur was created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France and is divided into five degrees with the majority of the recipients classified as a "Chevalier" or Knight.
  Whereas, conceived over two centuries ago by Napoléon Bonaparte, Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur was created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France and is divided into five degrees with the majority of the recipients classified as a "Chevalier" or Knight.
and Whereas, immediately following graduation from Swansea High School in 1943, at the age of seventeen, Phillip Bruce Cook enlisted in the Army Air Force on June 28, 1943, little imagining the impact his life would have on people he did not know.
and   Whereas, immediately following graduation from Swansea High School in 1943, at the age of seventeen, Phillip Bruce Cook enlisted in the Army Air Force on June 28, 1943, little imagining the impact his life would have on people he did not know.
and Whereas, Staff Sergeant Cook flew 35 combat missions aboard a B-17 "Flying Fortress" as a crewman assigned primarily to man the aircraft's ball turret gun position, which protected the belly of the 4-engine bomber, with his first mission on August 30, 1944, when the group bombarded the German submarine Pens at Pas-de-Calais as well as the V1 "Buzz Bomb" rocket launching sites at Fiefs, France, not far from Calais;
and   Whereas, Staff Sergeant Cook flew 35 combat missions aboard a B-17 "Flying Fortress" as a crewman assigned primarily to man the aircraft's ball turret gun position, which protected the underside of the 4-engine bomber, with his first mission on August 30, 1944, when the group bombarded the German submarine Pens at Pas-de-Calais as well as the V1 "Buzz Bomb" rocket launching sites at Fiefs, France, not far from Calais;
and Whereas, the 379th Bomb Group's primary objective was to bombard enemy rail yards, airfields, factories, communication centers, synthetic fuel factories, rocket sites, and enemy troop concentrations within France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Holland including during the Battle of France, when the 379th bombed enemy positions to assist ground troops throughout France from Normandy through the breakthrough beyond St.
and   Whereas, the 379th Bomb Group's primary objective was to bombard enemy rail yards, airfields, factories, communication centers, synthetic fuel factories, rocket sites, and enemy troop concentrations within France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, including during the Battle of France, when the 379th bombed enemy positions to assist ground troops throughout France from Normandy through the breakthrough beyond St.
and Whereas, the combat record of the 379th was the most successful of all the 8th Air Force heavy bomber groups.
and   Whereas, the combat record of the 379th was the most successful of all the 8th Air Force heavy bomber groups.  The unit held records as far as bomb tonnage dropped, dropping 26,459 tons, and exceeded all other United Kingdom-based Bomb Groups in the total number of missions flown, carrying out 330 missions between May 1943 and May 1945;
The unit held records as far as bomb tonnage dropped, dropping 26,459 tons, and exceeded all other United Kingdom-based Bomb Groups in the total number of missions flown, carrying out 330 missions between May 1943 and May 1945;
and   Whereas, now a centenarian, Staff Sergeant Cook was awarded the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters;
and Whereas, now a centenarian, Staff Sergeant Cook was awarded the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters;
and Whereas, upon learning that his application was approved for the prestigious French Legion d'honneur, he reflected, "Never would I have thought that what I did in WWII would mean so much, not only for the United States, but for those who had to endure years of enemy occupation.
and   Whereas, upon learning that his application was approved for the prestigious French Legion d'honneur, he reflected, "Never would I have thought that what I did in WWII would mean so much, not only for the United States, but for those who had to endure years of enemy occupation.
I was glad to have done my part, just one of the millions who proudly wore our nation's uniform." Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
I was glad to have done my part, just one of the millions who proudly wore our nation's uniform." Now, therefore,   Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize United States Army Air Force Staff Sergeant Phillip Bruce Cook for his bravery and service during World War II and congratulate him on his nomination by French President Emmanuel Macron as a Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur, the highest and most prestigious national honor of merit to reward those who have done great deeds for France.
  That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize United States Army Air Force Staff Sergeant Phillip Bruce Cook for his bravery and service during World War II and congratulate him on his selection by French President Emmanuel Macron as a Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d'honneur, the highest and most prestigious national honor of merit to reward those who have done great deeds for France.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Phillip Bruce Cook.
  Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Phillip Bruce Cook.
----XX---- This web page was last updated on February 24, 2026 at 03:21 PM
----XX---- This web page was last updated on February 05, 2026 at 10:54 AM
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Action History

  1. Scrivener's error corrected

  2. Scrivener's error corrected

  3. Introduced and adopted

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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124 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 46 not signed on

Sponsors (124)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (46)

46 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 46 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

veterans
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Frequently asked questions

What does H 5099 do?
A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE UNITED STATES ARMY AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT PHILLIP BRUCE COOK FOR HIS BRAVERY AND SERVICE DURING WORLD WAR II AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON HIS NOMINATION BY FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON AS A CHEVALIER IN THE ORDRE NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR, THE HIGHEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL HONOR OF MERIT TO REWARD THOSE WHO HAVE DONE GREAT DEEDS FOR FRANCE.
Who sponsors H 5099?
H 5099 is sponsored by Henderson-Myers, Rosalyn D., Representative Micajah P. "Micah" Caskey IV, Representative Terry Alexander, Representative Carl L. Anderson, Representative Lucas Atkinson, Representative William H. Bailey, Representative Nathan Ballentine, Representative Justin T. Bamberg, Representative Bruce W. Bannister, Representative Heather Bauer, Representative Thomas Beach, Representative Beth E. Bernstein, Representative Phillip Bowers, Representative Jeff Bradley, Representative Gary S. Brewer, Jr., T. Case Brittain, Jr. (Republican), Representative James Mikell "Mike" Burns, Representative Joseph M. "Joe" Bustos, Representative Paula Rawl Calhoon, Representative Donald G. "Don" Chapman, Representative William M. "Bill" Chumley, Representative William "Bill" Clyburn, Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Representative Neal A. Collins, Representative Brandon L. Cox, Representative Heather Ammons Crawford, Representative April Cromer, Representative Sylleste H. Davis, Representative Chandra E. Dillard, Representative Adam L. Duncan, Representative Sarita L. Edgerton, Representative Shannon S. Erickson, Representative Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr., Stephen D. Frank (Republican), Representative Craig A. Gagnon, Representative Kambrell H. Garvin, Representative Gil Gatch, Representative Daniel Gibson, Representative Leon D. "Doug" Gilliam, Representative Wendell G. Gilliard, Representative Thomas Lee Gilreath, Representative Jerry N. Govan, Jr., Representative Hamilton R. Grant, Representative Thomas Duval "Val" Guest, Jr., Representative Brandon Guffey, Representative Patrick B. Haddon, Representative William "Bill" Hager, Representative Kevin Hardee, Representative Robert J. "Rob" Harris, Representative Christopher R. "Chris" Hart, Representative Thomas F. "Tom" Hartnett, Jr., Representative Charles V. Hartz, Representative Jackie E. "Coach" Hayes, Representative William G. "Bill" Herbkersman, Representative Lee Hewitt, Representative David R. Hiott, Representative William M. "Bill" Hixon, Representative Harriet A. Holman, Representative Lonnie Hosey, Representative Leon Howard, Representative William C. "Chris" Huff, J.E. Johnson, J.L. Johnson, Representative Wendell K. Jones, Representative Wallace H. "Jay" Jordan, Jr., Representative John Gregory "Jay" Kilmartin, Representative John Richard C. King, Representative Roger K. Kirby, Representative Kathy Landing, Representative M. Brian Lawson, Representative Thomas R. "Randy" Ligon, Representative Steven Wayne Long, Representative Phillip D. Lowe, Jason Luck (Democrat), Representative Josiah Magnuson, Representative David Martin, Representative Donald Ryan McCabe, Jr., Representative John R. McCravy III, Representative Annie E. McDaniel, Representative Timothy A. "Tim" McGinnis, Representative Cody T. Mitchell, Representative W. Scott Montgomery IV, Representative JA Moore, Representative Travis A. Moore, Representative T. Alan Morgan, Jr., Representative Dennis C. Moss, Representative Mike M. Neese, Representative Brandon Newton, Representative Wm. Weston J. Newton, Representative Melissa Lackey Oremus, Representative Jordan S. Pace, Representative Fawn M. Pedalino, Representative Thomas E. "Tommy" Pope, Representative Luke S. Rankin, Representative Robert T. Reese, Representative Michael F. Rivers, Sr., Representative Robby Robbins, Representative Seth Rose, Representative J. Todd Rutherford, Representative Richard Blake Sanders, Carla M. Schuessler (Republican), Representative Heath Sessions, Tiffany R. Spann-Wilder (Democrat), Representative Leonidas E. "Leon" Stavrinakis, Representative Bill Taylor, Representative James E. Teeple, Representative Jackie R. Terribile, Representative David Vaughan, Representative Courtney S. Waters, Representative J. David Weeks, Representative Elizabeth "Spencer" Wetmore, Representative Joseph S. "Joe" White, Representative William R. "Bill" Whitmire, Representative Paul B. Wickensimer, Representative Robert Q. Williams, Representative Mark N. Willis, Representative Chris Wooten, Representative Richard L. "Richie" Yow, Representative Marvin "Mark" Smith, Representative G. Murrell Smith, Jr., Representative Keishan M. Scott, Representative John T. Lastinger, Jr., Representative Dianne Mitchell, and Representative Greg Ford.
What is the current status of H 5099?
This bill has passed the House. Introduced February 05, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
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