The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major William Earl Cooper (AFSN: 0-52496), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Mission Commander of a multi-aircraft strike against a heavily defended railroad bridge on a main supply line Northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam on 1 December 1965. Realizing the significance of the target, Major Cooper exposed himself dangerously in order to insure accurate navigation in difficult terrain partially obscured by broken weather conditions. His excellent judgment resulted in the immediate acquisition of the target. Ordnance deliver was accomplished with the complete destruction of the defensive position assigned to him. By so doing, Major Cooper simplified and insured the accurate target acquisition for the remainder of the strike force, as well as diminishing the defensive capability of the hostile forces. His outstanding leadership and airmanship resulted in the successful destruction of other defensive positions by the aircraft immediately following him, allowing the main strike force to concentrate on the railroad bridge itself under reduced defensive fire. The bridge was destroyed. Major Cooper’s excellent leadership, selfless devotion to duty and outstanding judgment reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant Colonel [then Major]Batallion:
469 Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
April 24, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] William Earl Cooper (AFSN: 0-52496), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief and Commander of the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 24 April 1966. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper was the commander of a composite strike force of thirteen F-105 aircraft and 20 support aircraft whose mission was to destroy a vitally important military target in North Vietnam. With full knowledge of the vast defense network aligned against them, Colonel Cooper briefed the strike force to keep him in sight during the flight but to remain at a lower altitude. His alone took the risk of entering the effective missile envelope to assure target acquisition. Although encountering several severe thunderstorms, he displayed superb navigation and airmanship in bringing the strike force precisely over the pre-planned check point and setting the force directly on line to the target. Approximately 30 miles from the target, the countryside erupted with the heaviest anti-aircraft artillery barrage ever encountered by an attacking United States force. Colonel Cooper instructed his pilots to take necessary evasive action while he remained on course to insure accurate navigation through the clouds which were obstructing the mission route. To further complicate the situation, he was advised by radio contact that a hostile missile launch was imminent. Again disregarding his own safety, Colonel Cooper instructed his pilots to take evasive action while he remained on course. At this point hostile fire disabled his radio. Without radio contact with his pilots, Colonel Cooper pressed the attack with the strike force following below the clouds for visual target sighting. At this critical point, Colonel Cooper’s aircraft received a direct hit from the hostile fire. The extraordinary heroism and exceptional airmanship displayed by Colonel Cooper are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant Colonel [then Major]Batallion:
469 Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Korat Royal Thai Air Base, ThailandAction Date:
March 31, 1966
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] William Earl Cooper (AFSN: 0-52496), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam on 31 March 1966. On that date, Colonel Cooper was the leader of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs. After bombing their assigned target, Colonel Cooper located a camouflaged truck convoy and initiated the attack. His cannon fire ripped through the convoy in spite of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery. His aircraft was hit, causing a gaping three-foot diameter hole in the wing. His utility hydraulic system was depleted and one gear hung partially in the slipstream. Under these highly adverse conditions Colonel Cooper returned his stricken aircraft safely to the home base. The left tire blew predictably upon landing, and Colonel Cooper displayed his superior abilities again as he fought his aircraft to a stop utilizing perfect emergency breaking procedures. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Cooper reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.