The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Curtis Cooper (ASN: 0-403436), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Sanjung-ni, Korea, on 3 – 4 February 1951. He skillfully employed the elements of his battalion and seized an important objective inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy without loss to his own unit. As he effected reorganization of his command it became apparent that the surrounding terrain was infested with enemy troops. He drew the battalion into a perimeter and prepared to make a stand. Quen questioned about his presence in the perimeter he replied that he would stay as long as the battalion had orders to remain and leave only when he received orders to leave. Soon after midnight the enemy started moving in from all sides in great mass. Four distinct attacks were launched against the battalion’s position and all were repulsed with heavy enemy casualties. One of the main factors in the heroic stand made by the battalion was the inspirational leadership displayed by Major Cooper who continuously exposed himself to intense small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire. His bravery inspired the company commanders to hold their positions against overwhelming odds. Twelve enemy dead were found within the perimeter and it is estimated that the enemy suffered over 200 casualties. Only after a message was air-dropped on the position ordering the battalion to withdraw did Major Cooper consider leaving his position. The battalion fought its way through an estimated enemy regiment under his guidance and regained contact with friendly forces, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. During the move he continually exposed himself to enemy fire. Major cooper’s courageous actions, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Curtis Cooper (ASN: 0-403436), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy as a member of the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, on 9 July 1950 at Noechan-ri, Korea. The First Battalion had been under heavy artillery and mortar fire for several hours, which was followed by a full scale attack of an enemy regiment supported by tanks, mortars and artillery. The enemy advance was being held from the front but a flank attack was threatening to cut off the only road to the rear. The Battalion Commander, unaware that a message had been sent to him, dispatched Major Cooper to contact his Regimental Commander to make known the situation. Major Cooper proceeded to Regiment in a jeep along a road covered by heavy mortar fire. He received instructions, then started his return to the Battalion Command Post only to find a road block about one mile from the Battalion Command Post manned by approximately a platoon of enemy using several machine guns. Some jeeps and one three-quarter ton truck had been knocked out and were being covered by the enemy machine gun fire. Major Cooper, leaving his jeep, went to the rear and brought forward a friendly tank which he rode directing its action in breaking through the road block and pushing the vehicles off the road that were obstructing passage. The enemy fire became so intense that he was forced to jump from the tank but he continued to direct its movements until the machine guns were knocked out and the enemy forced to withdraw. Major Cooper then continued his mission of delivering orders to the Battalion; also, that the road was cleared. All this time Major Cooper was under fire from the enemy weapons; however, in a calm, cool manner he performed his mission and exemplified a high devotion to duty that reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.