extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment, 33d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Lawican, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 12 May 1945. When one platoon of Company C, 136th Infantry Regiment, was halted by intense Japanese mortar, machine gun, and sniper fire during an attack against a heavily-fortified hill position, five men were left in an exposed area to draw enemy fire and to enable the remainder of the platoon to maneuver to a more favorable location. The enemy increased their fire in a desperate attempt to annihilate this small holding force and, in the confusion, one of the men, Private First Class Cooper, discovered a hidden Japanese machine gun firing from the rear. Unhesitatingly, he fearlessly assaulted this new threat, but was wounded before he reached the posit on. Heedless of his wound, he continued forward and single-handedly destroyed the weapon with hand grenades. He then rejoined his comrades, and, while drawing enemy fire, was wounded again. When the remainder of the platoon reached a new position and resumed the attack, Private First Class Cooper advanced with them and was wounded a third time. Unable to move any further, he then consented to be moved to the rear for medical treatment. By his dauntless courage and heroic determination to destroy the enemy despite his serious wounds, Private First Class Cooper was instrumental in enabling his platoon to accomplish its mission. Private First Class Cooper’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 33d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.