Charles Cooper graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1950. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General.
Charles Cooper graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1950. He retired as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Charles Grafton Cooper (MCSN: 0-50749), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 17 June 1951. Participating in an assault against an enemy hill position when his platoon was pinned down by devastating small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from a strongly entrenched hostile position, Second Lieutenant Cooper, after calling for and receiving a friendly air strike and artillery fire support, attempted to move his platoon forward but was again pinned down by fire from the same enemy position. With the advance of the entire company halted, he unhesitatingly charged through the hail of bullets and grenades with one other Marine and, upon reaching the enemy emplacement, hurled grenades through the embrasure, killing the occupants and silencing the fire. Severely wounded while engaged in this hazardous undertaking, Second Lieutenant Cooper, by his outstanding bravery and daring initiative, was directly instrumental in the seizure of the company’s objective and served to inspire all who observed him. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Charles Grafton Cooper (MCSN: 0-50749), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. His singularly distinctive accomplishments and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Charles Grafton Cooper (MCSN: 0-50749), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the III Marine Amphibious Force in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 5 August 1969 to 26 August 1970. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Force Staff Secretary, he skillfully supervised and coordinated the myriad activities of the general staff and kept the Chief of Staff informed of all matters affecting the current tactical situation and command relationships. In his association with many high ranking civilians and military officials, he was unfailingly courteous and tactful and displayed a professional maturity which reflected great credit upon the Marine Corps and was instrumental in the superb rapport enjoyed by his command in relations with other military commands. Reassigned as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division on 16 January 1970, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper deployed his Battalion over a wide area and planned and supervised the execution of search and destroy operations, ambushes and patrols which blocked the enemy’s persistent attempts to infiltrate friendly positions. On numerous occasions, he disregarded his own safety as he boldly moved to forward areas to assist his company commanders and ensure the delivery of supporting arms fire on areas known to contain hostile sanctuaries and supply depots. Under his dynamic and courageous leadership, his Battalion inflicted severe casualties on large North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces and captured numerous caches of food and munitions. His extraordinary initiative and determination earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen and unwavering devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Cooper is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Charles Grafton Cooper (MCSN: 0-50749), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.