Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 6, 1950

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 31 (1951)

    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 Sergeant First Class Oren S. Cooper (ASN: RA-6860050), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 6 September 1950 near Changnyong, Korea. In the early morning hours of that date he was a platoon sergeant in a rifle company when it was attacked by a strong enemy force. During this attack he single-handedly covered a thirty-five yard front, while holding off the attacking enemy with rifle and grenade fire for a period of more than forty-five minutes. When reinforcements arrived from the mortar section, he continued to hold the area while these men were being placed in position. Just at daylight the enemy force withdrew. Later in the same day, he was killed by enemy mortar fire, during an attack on enemy-held positions. The gallant and inspiring conduct of Sergeant Cooper on this occasion reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.