Garry G. Cooper

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Flight Lieutenant Garry G. Cooper, Royal Australian Air Force, distinguished himself by gallantry in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller during the Second Saigon Offensive on 11 May 1968. On that date, with complete disregard for his own safety Flight Lieutenant Cooper repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy antiaircraft fire in order to mark and identify enemy targets and succeeded in directing deadly, accurate airstrikes upon the enemy positions. As a result, of these valorous actions, heavy casualties were inflicted upon the enemy force which resulted in the saving of numerous friendly lives. Flight Lieutenant Cooper’s gallantry and professionalism reflect great credit upon himself and the Royal Australian Air Force.