THE WALL OF FACES

LT Daniel D. Cooper was a Navy aviator assigned to Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22), Carrier Air Wing Fifteen (CVW-15), aboard the USS Coral Sea. LT Cooper was killed on February 4, 1972, when his USN A-7E Corsair II (#156870) impacted the water during a night recovery mission. Witnesses saw the aircraft fly into the sea just off the coast, possibly a case of pilot disorientation. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed During the Vietnam War by Douglas E. Campbell]

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerviong thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort othwer hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Dear LT Daniel Dean Cooper, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Daniel has a military stone in his memory at Willamette National Cemetery.

On Silver Wings
They Flew The Skies
These Brave Young Men
Who Fought And Died
When Duty Called
They Went So Brave
Now families Mourn
Beside Their Grave
Who Can Forget
What Courage They had
Some Have,Some Did
And That's So Sad