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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Francis Taylor Cooper (NSN: 0-82776), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer, Navigator and Torpedo Data Computer Operator on board the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters. Skilled and tireless in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Commander Cooper expertly supervised the activities of personnel under his command in the maintenance and operation of fire control equipment and, by his intelligent interpretation of navigational and attack data, rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive and successful torpedo and gun attacks against heavily escorted enemy task forces and convoys. By his inspiring leadership and his proficiency in solving high speed problems while torpedoes were being fired, he materially assisted his craft in fulfilling its vital mission. His courageous initiative and devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bluegill (SS-242)

    Action Date:

    July 6 – August 24, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01132 (April 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Francis Taylor Cooper (NSN: 0-82776), United States Navy, for heroic achievement as Executive Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator attached to the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242), during the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine in the Southwest Pacific War Area, from 6 July to 24 August 1944. By his skillful operation of the torpedo data computer, Lieutenant Commander Cooper furnished his Commanding Officer with combat information which was of invaluable assistance in carrying out attacks resulting in the sinking of a merchant ship, a cargo transport and an escort of the CHIDORI Class. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bluegill (SS-242)

    Action Date:

    September 18 – November 25, 1944
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 01144 (April 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Francis Taylor Cooper (NSN: 0-82776), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Executive Officer, Navigator and Torpedo Data Computer Operator of the U.S.S. BLUEGILL (SS-242), during the THIRD War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific Area from 18 September to 25 November 1944. By his skill in organization and training, as well as his ability as a navigator and as a torpedo data computer operator, Lieutenant Commander Cooper rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer during torpedo attacks and gun engagements against armed enemy vessels and during the subsequent hostile depth charging. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.