COOPER Garry Gordon
0219964, Flight Lieutenant, Royal Australian Air Force
A32063, Legion of Frontiersmen, Australia
CITATION
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Gazetted 2 May 1969, p4657
In recognition of his courage and devotion to duty while serving as a Forward Air Controller with the United States Seventh Air Force in Vietnam.
US Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Gazetted 26 June 2018
For extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in Vietnam on 10 May 1968. On this date, Flight Lieutenant Cooper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a pilot of an O-1 Birddog during an engagement between two US Army Infantry companies and a battalion- sized enemy element. From his overhead position, Flight Lieutenant Cooper flew at a low altitude to mark enemy positions with smoke grenades and fired his personal weapon at the exposed enemy, despite the continuing harassing enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire which resulted in significant damage to his airplane. As a result of his actions, US Air Force attack aircraft successfully engaged the enemy positions and disrupted their attack, thereby allowing the Infantry companies to assault the enemy positions and seize their mission objectives. Flight Lieutenant Cooper’s outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Royal Australian Air Force and his country.
US Air Force Cross (AFC)
Gazetted 19 November 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Flight Lieutenant Garry Gordon Cooper (AFSN: 0219964), Royal Australian Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller attached as an Air Liaison Officer to the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, (US Army), on 18 August 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, after being shot down in an OH-23 observation helicopter, Flight Lieutenant Cooper rescued a badly wounded Brigade Commander from the wreckage under extremely heavy automatic weapons fire. Although wounded himself, but with complete disregard for his own safety, he carried the Colonel to a protected area where he fought off several attempts to over-run them killing ten enemy soldiers at close range. During the helicopter rescue next day, he killed a further two enemy with his empty AR-15. Flight Lieutenant Cooper was solely responsible for the saving of Colonel Archer under overwhelming odds. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Flight Lieutenant Cooper reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
AWARDS
RAAF Ground Combat Badge
RAAF Pilots Brevet
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75
Malaysia, Vietnam
Campaign Service Medal
Borneo, Malay Peninsula
Vietnam Medal
Australian Service Medal 1945-75
Thailand, Malay Thai Border
Australian Defence Medal
US Distinguished Service Cross
US Air Force Cross
US Silver Star
US Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze 'V' & 2 bronze OLC
US Bronze Star with bronze 'V' & bronze OLC
US Purple Heart and bronze OLC
US Air Medal with bronze 'V' & bronze OLC
US Air Medal with 2 silver & 2 bronze OLC
US Army Commendation with bronze 'V' & bronze OLC
US Antarctic Service Medal
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with bronze palm
Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with silver star
Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class
Vietnam Star
1960
Pingat Jasa Malaysia
US Presidential Unit Citation
US Army Valorous Unit Award
US Army Meritorious Unit Commendation
Vietnam Cross Of Gallantry Unit Citation with gold palm
Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation 1st Class with bronze palm
Legion Dartnell Cross for Valor
Legion Australian Medal of Merit (Bronze)
Legion Australian 75th Anniversary Medal
Legion Long and Efficient Service Medal with 6 bars
Legion Canadian Division Service Cross
Legion Canadian Division Torch Bearer’s Medal
Legion Ontario Diamond Jubilee Medal
Legion Quebec Long Service Medal
NOTES
Born January 1938
Died
Buried