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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Five David F. Cooper, United States Army, for gallantry in action during combat operations against an armed enemy on 14 May 2006, while serving as an AH-6 Flight Lead Pilot while operating against an entrenched enemy force during a daylight raid in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Chief Warrant Officer Cooper continued to make successive assaults in support of the ground forces, without regard for his own personal safety. His actions destroyed several enemy positions, enabling the ground forces to consolidate into defensive positions. Without Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s courage and gallantry under hostile fire, the ground forces would have sustained significant casualties. He directly contributed to the successful execution of this direct action mission. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Five

    Action Date:

    November 1, 2002 – October 31, 2012

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Chief Warrant Officer Five David F. Cooper, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States over a 27 year career in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the Command Chief Warrant Officer, United States Army Special Operations Command. During his exemplary career he clearly embodied the consummate Aviation Warrant Officer profession. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s exemplary leadership, superior air tactics and techniques, coupled with his extraordinary intelligence and selfless dedication significantly contributed to the accomplishments of Army and Special Operations Forces. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s achievements in mentoring, teaching and coaching Army Aviators vastly contributed to the overall mission success of the Army and will have a lasting impact on the strategic, operational and institutional levels of Aviation operations for years to come. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s superior performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the United States Army Special Operations Aviation Command and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Chief Warrant Officer Five

    Regiment:

    160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)

    Action Date:

    November 27, 2006
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2010-24 (November 24, 2010)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Five David F. Cooper, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 27 November 2006, while serving with Headquarters Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), during combat operations against an armed enemy during aerial flight as an AH-6 Flight Lead Pilot for the Joint Task Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Without regard for his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cooper continued to provide effective fires for the Joint Task Force ground forces despite the presence of effective enemy fire. Without Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s courage and gallantry under fire, the ground forces would have sustained significant casualties. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper directly contributed to the successful execution of this classified direct action mission. Chief Warrant Officer Five Cooper’s heroism reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army