The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Laos on 24 April 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over heavily defended hostile supply routes, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 44 hostile supply vehicles and the creation of numerous secondary fires and explosions. The outstanding results produced by this mission indicate his exceptional courage while threatened by over 700 rounds of deadly accurate antiaircraft fire, and his superior skill in operating his sensor system. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coogan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Southeast Asia in 1971. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coogan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Laos on 11 February 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission, his actions led to the damage or destruction of 26 hostile supply vehicles and the ignition of numerous secondary fires and explosions. Putting aside his concern for personal safety in the face of 294 rounds of hostile antiaircraft fire, he succeeded in destroying large amounts of supplies and munitions destined for use against friendly forces. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Major Coogan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2452 (August 5, 1971)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 Major Edward Richard Coogan, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an AC-130 Gunship Low Light Level Television Sensor Operator over Laos on 2 March 1971. On that date, while on a night armed reconnaissance mission over some of the most heavily defended hostile supply routes in Southeast Asia, the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, he contributed immeasurably in a devastating attack which resulted in the damage or destruction of 36 supply vehicles. Harassed at every point of the mission by accurate antiaircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles, he skillfully tracked and held each target for firing despite dense jungle canopy, rugged terrain and violent evasive maneuvers. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Coogan has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.