The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and Commander, 446th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. On 28 March 1944, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper flew as Flight Leader in a twenty-four plane formation attacking a railroad bridge at Porugia, Italy. Upon the approach to the target, intense anti-aircraft fire enveloped the formation destroying two bombers and heavily damaging his airplane and seventeen others. Displaying utmost determination and courage in the face of this accurate barrage, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper maintained perfect flight control for the run over the objective. With all bombardiers releasing on his plane, many direct hits destroyed one span of the bridge, thereby blocking a vital link in enemy communications lines. Then, skillfully maneuvering his crippled B-25 in a vigorous evasive action through continued heavy ground fire drawing away from the target, Lieutenant Colonel Cooper returned his flight safely to base. His gallant devotion to duty and outstanding proficiency in combat reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Air Force Systems CommandAction Date:
July 31, 1968 – July 31, 1970
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Cooper distinguished himself as Chief of Staff, Air Force Systems Command, from 31 July 1968 to 31 July 1970. In this important assignment, the dynamic leadership, outstanding managerial capabilities and dedicated efforts of General Cooper resulted in a significant increase in the research, development, test and evaluation capabilities of the United States Air Force. General Cooper’s outstanding achievements in formulating, recommending, and implementing improvements in weapon systems development and acquisition activities and processes have greatly enhanced and sustained the defense posture of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
446th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
321st Bombardment Group (M)Division:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber and Commander, 446th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
446th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
321st Bombardment Group (M)Division:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber and Commander, 446th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)Batallion:
446th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
321st Bombardment Group (M)Division:
12th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber and Commander, 446th Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group (Medium), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
Air Force Systems CommandAction Date:
August 3, 1970 – November 21, 1971
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 Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Cooper distinguished himself as Director of Laboratories, Air Force Systems Command, from 3 August 1970 to 21 November 1971. His direction of the Air Force programs in research, exploratory development, and non-systems advanced development was characterized by technical acumen, managerial brilliance, and tireless industry. Under his leadership, the Air Force Systems Command laboratories, despite severe resource constraints, reached new levels of efficiency and relevance to Air Force needs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Paul Thomas Cooper (ASN: 0-392981/AFSN: FR-4861), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Cooper and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.