The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

BRONZE STAR MEDAL to

2ndLt DAVID H. COOPER

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant David H. Cooper, II , United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against insurgent communist forces while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 24 and 25 March 1967. During a search and destroy mission, Second Lieutenant Cooper's company was subjected to an intense mortar attack from concealed elements of the North Vietnamese Army. Exhibiting uncommon courage and extreme professional skill, he organized his men for counter-mortar fire and quickly estimated the location of the enemy mortars. Heedless of the large volume of incoming fire and his personal safety, he compiled the data and relayed it to the gun sites. This enabled the guns to commence an accurate, rapid, and well-controlled counter-mortar fire. Realizing that the guns would soon deplete the store of rounds at the gun sites, Second Lieutenant Cooper fearlessly led his ammunition men through the remainder of the Company to pick up the additional rounds that were available. His initiative and resourcefulness led to the acquisition of sufficient rounds to silence the enemy mortars. Again on 25 March 1967, at approximately 1900, the company was again subjected to intense enemy mortar fire. Second Lieutenant Cooper distinguished himself by once again directing his platoon in accurate counter-mortar fire. Exhibiting heroic daring, he attempted to retrieve the additional rounds within his company, and in the process of manifesting this exceptional leadership he was mortally wounded by the heavy volume of enemy fire. His faithful devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger and his valiant fighting spirit were an inspiration to all who observed him. Second Lieutenant Cooper's heroic actions reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."