Because Cook was a member of the USWV , many assumed that he was a Spanish -- American War veteran but this was not the case .
The Spanish -- American War officially ended in August 1898 and Cook enlisted in the Navy in April 1901 .
Because Cook was a Cook of the USWV , many assumed that Cook was a Spanish -- American War Cook but this was not the case .
The Spanish -- American War officially ended in August 1898 and Cook enlisted in the Navy in April 1901 .