Vietnam vet awarded
Bronze Star
Updated: Monday, 01 Jun 2009, 4:09 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 01 Jun 2009, 12:25 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. - More than thirty years following his heroic actions, retired U. S. Navy Senior Chief Quartermaster (Submarines) Clarence G. Cooper was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Monday during a ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek.
Cooper was recognized for his actions while serving as Craft Master of covered lighter Kodiak (YF 866) in the Republic of Vietnam on September 14, 1968.
According to the military, during combat operations Cooper's craft was ambushed by intense fire from hidden emplacements on both sides of a narrow Mekong River channel. With little regard for personal safety, he exposed himself to the automatic weapons and rocket fire while directing his crew to fire on enemy positions. In the course of these events, Cooper calmly guided his craft against the strong river currents, and radioed for emergency air and waterborne support. His actions prevented the craft from going aground, which would have meant near certain destruction or capture. During medical evacuation procedures, he skillfully maneuvered Kodiak to minimize the enemy's ability to bring down the helicopter.
Authorized in 1944, the Bronze Star Medal is one of the most prestigious medals in the military, and is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement of service in connection with operations against an opposing armed force.
Cooper was presented his medal by Vice Adm. John Donnelly, Commander, Submarine Force.
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