Jacob Elliott Cooper

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Jacob Elliott Cooper, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. FORD (DD-228), in action against enemy Japanese naval forces at Badoeng Straits off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. Lieutenant Commander Cooper delivered a well-directed and gallant attack by gun and torpedo fire against a vastly superior force of enemy vessels. Although the ship which he commanded was illuminated by the enemy and under heavy fire, its fire scored several hits which damaged the enemy ships and silenced their fire. Lieutenant Commander Cooper’s inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of this vital mission and reflects great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 308 (November 1942)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jacob Elliott Cooper, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. JOHN D. FORD (DD-228), and for extreme courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety in the face of heavy opposition during the Battle of Makassar Strait, on the night of 23 – 24 January 1942, in delivering a successful attack upon enemy Japanese forces off Balikpapan, Borneo, Netherlands East Indies. Lieutenant Commander Cooper directed his destroyer through a large concentration of enemy craft and succeeded by his skillful maneuvering in inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. This action and the high morale of his command reflect most favorably on Lieutenant Commander Cooper’s ability a leader and officer, and are in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 306 (September 1942)