The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Charles R. Cooper (ASN: RA-15315023), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 March 1951, Company I was part of a force which was attacking Hill 361, north of the town of Uijongbu, Korea. Private Cooper was serving as radio operator for the commander of Company I, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry. At a very critical point in the attack, the radio communications with the first platoon failed and left the company commander without contact with his leading elements. Private Cooper, realizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of the company commander’s control of his attacking element, unhesitatingly volunteered to go to the first platoon and attempt to place their radio back into operation. Running and crawling across two hundred yards of exposed terrain under heavy enemy fire, Private Cooper reached his objective and made the necessary radio repairs. Upon completion of his mission, Private Cooper again braved withering enemy fire in an effort to return to his duties as radio operator, but as he neared the end of his hazardous dash, he was hit and mortally wounded by small arms fire from the rifle of an enemy sniper. Private Cooper’s gallantry, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty materially contributed to the success of the company’s operation and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.