House Resolution 5

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHARLES COOPER, USMC (RET.), AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Lieutenant General Charles Cooper, USMC (Ret.), departed this earthly life on Tuesday, April 26, 2009, at the age of 81 to enter into everlasting life with his Heavenly Father, bringing great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, General Cooper graduated from Bobo High School in Clarksdale in 1945 where he was named an All-State football tackle, which led him to the University of Mississippi where he lettered as a guard and tackle for the Ole Miss Rebels during the 1945 season; and

WHEREAS, after his freshman year at Ole Miss, General Cooper received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and while at Annapolis, he played guard and tackle for the Midshipmen for the 1946-1949 seasons; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1950, General Cooper was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, and he completed The Basic School, Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, Virginia, in March 1951 and joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Korea; and

WHEREAS, General Cooper participated in the Korean Counter-Offensive of 1951 as a rifle platoon commander, and in this action he was seriously wounded, hospitalized and was awarded the Silver Star Medal and two Purple Heart Medals for his service in Korea; and

WHEREAS, beating the prognosis of restricted use of his legs due to the wounds received in Korea, he returned to full duty in early 1953 and was assigned as Inspector Instructor of a Marine Corps Reserve Rifle Company in Columbia, South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, General Cooper was promoted to Captain in December 1953 and served in this billet for more than three years, which included a change of scenery with the 4th Marines, 1st Marine Brigade, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, in his new role, General Cooper took part in the planning and testing of amphibious helicopter-infantry operations and counter-armor tactics, and coached the Hawaii Marines Football Team; and

WHEREAS, General Cooper returned to Quantico in August 1958 and served as a platoon commander, an instructor and a

company commander at The Basic School; and

WHEREAS, later General Cooper was ordered to the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa, serving as the Division Training Officer and subsequently as S-3 of the 9th Marines; and

WHEREAS, General Cooper was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in December 1965 and assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune in June 1966, and after receiving the designation of overall Landing Force Commander, he led the force for six months where he carried out his operations from a Navy helicopter carrier and other amphibious ships; and

WHEREAS, during his tour in Vietnam, he was assigned first as Secretary to the General Staff, III Marine Amphibious Force, then reassigned as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in January 1970; and

WHEREAS, while in Vietnam he participated in a series of heavy-action operations south of Danang, earning him the Legion of Merit with Combat "V," the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with the Silver Star for exceptionally meritorious service; and

WHEREAS, after his service in Vietnam, General Cooper returned home in August 1970 to finish out his career in various roles including: government affairs in Washington, D.C., recruiting operations in San Diego, California, and finally as Base Commander of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the rivers of life to now stand on Heaven's golden shores with his Lord and Savior, the legacy of his memory will continue on in the lives of his survivors: his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol Edgerton Cooper; his children, Charles G. "Chip" Cooper, III, Captain USN (Ret.), and Linda Cooper Thompson; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life of such a truly remarkable and giving individual as Lieutenant General Charles Cooper, whose life and life's works serve as the pattern of zealous commitment and undaunted service to country, family and mankind:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life and legacy of Lieutenant General Charles Cooper, USMC (Ret.), and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be

furnished to the family of Lieutenant General Charles Cooper, USMC (Ret.), the United States Marine Corps and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.