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Jay
C.
Copley

Jay Copley’s Distinguished Service Cross was belatedly awarded in 2011.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Mechanized)

    Regiment:

    5th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1969
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 10603 (August 30, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Captain (Infantry) Jay C. Copley (ASN: 0-2336819/RA-15294329), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Copley distinguished himself by heroism in action on 15 July 1969, while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 5th Cavalry Regiment. As his unit was being extracted from a landing zone, one helicopter with six men aboard lost control, crashed, and began to burn. Captain Copley immediately moved to the flaming wreckage and discovered that the men on board were unconscious and about to be consumed by the blaze. Despite the searing heat, he entered the wreckage and pulled one of the men to safety. Returning, he again entered the intense fire as ammunition in the helicopter began to explode. Ignoring this, he pulled another man to safety. Captain Copley then remained at the scene of the accident and assisted in administering emergency aid to the injured men. His concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion (Mechanized)

    Regiment:

    50th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division

    Action Date:

    March 2, 1968
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), General Orders No. 6508 (June 17, 1968

    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 Captain (Infantry) Jay C. Copley (ASN: 0-2336819/RA-15294329), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Copley distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 2 March 1968, while serving as Commanding Officer with Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry Regiment, during a search and clear mission near Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. Upon landing, one of Captain Copley’s airmobile platoons became surrounded by enemy troops. Captain Copley immediately called for supporting gunships as he advanced toward the area of contact. Captain Copley personally led his elements through defensive enemy positions and recovered the encircled platoon. He was the last person to depart the pinned down platoon’s positions as he physically assisted in covering the withdrawal of his elements. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Retired)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    50th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade

    Action Date:

    May 5, 1968
    Headquarters, Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2013-03 (March 15, 2013)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Retired) Jay C. Copley (ASN: 0-2336819/RA-15294329), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade on 5 May 1968 while engaged in armed conflict with a regimental-size force of North Vietnamese Army, in Baih Delt Province, South Vietnam. Ordered to relieve Company A, which was surrounded by and under withering small arms, machine gun, and rocket propelled grenade fire from the enemy, Captain Copley, upon arrival and without hesitation brought the fight to the enemy. In the face of intense fire and at great personal danger, Captain Copley’s actions and his undaunted leadership disrupted the attack on Company A and resulted in the enemy being routed, saving countless Soldiers’ lives. During the ensuing engagement, the enemy force made repeated attempts to consolidate their positions and on each occasion Captain Copley fearlessly moved across the fire-swept terrain directing the relentless attack of his Soldiers. Captain Copley suffered life-threatening wounds but he continued to press the fight. Only after securing the battlefield and ensuring the safety of his men did Captain Copley consent to be airlifted to receive further medical aid. His bold initiative and resolute determination contributed inestimably to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Captain Copley’s selfless leadership, courageous action, and extraordinary devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade and the United States Army.