Joseph D. Cooper

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Joseph D. Cooper, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States on 17 April 1951. Captain Cooper volunteered to pilot an unarmed, highly vulnerable H-19 helicopter deep into enemy territory on a mission to secure enemy material of vital intelligence value. Captain Cooper displayed outstanding skill and courage in airlifting a team of highly trained intelligence specialists to the reported location of the material despite heavy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons fire which was encountered over enemy territory and which damaged the helicopter engine. Acting with calm determination, Captain Cooper landed his aircraft and set up a defense position while the intelligence personnel collected the equipment and loaded it aboard the helicopter. This task, which required thirty-five minutes, was conducted under conditions of the greatest hazard. On the return flight, heavy anti-aircraft fire was again encountered, damaging one of the propeller blades. Despite severe vibrations, Captain Cooper skillfully controlled the crippled aircraft and flew it out to sea under intensified fire from land and shore batteries. After flying more than eighty miles over the Yellow Sea, he made an emergency landing on a small island under friendly control. From here the crew and equipment were later evacuated. The success of this mission provided the United States Air Force with urgently needed technical data concerning the performance, capabilities and operating mechanism of an important enemy weapon. Captain Cooper’s resolute courage and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.