Melvin A. Cook

About

Respected chemist who developed shaped explosive charges, which revolutionized both mining and warfare. He is one of only three people to have received a Nitro Nobel Gold Medal, for his work in the explosives industry.

Before Fame

He had no interest in explosives when hired by DuPont and put, much to his surprise, in their explosives group.

Trivia

By 1941, he was asked to adapt his explosives to American bazookas, which, at that point, were unable to penetrate the thick armor of German tanks.

Family Life

His son Merrill Cook served as a Utah Representative from 1997 to 2001 and he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Associated With

Like H. Tracy Hall, the creator of the first synthetic diamonds, he was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.