THE WALL OF FACES

Semper Fi, Doc. Thank you for your service to our country and to your Marines.

Ed and I served together as Corpsmen attached to the Marines at 1st MAW Hdqtrs, DaNang the Spring and Summer of 66. We worked a medical clinic, we both worked the treatment room and any other area needing support. Ed often did x-ray. We enjoyed our outings on a MEDCAP (Medical Civilian Aid Program). Ed had real affinity for the Vietnamese adults and children, and clearly delighted in bringing whatever help we could. Ed befriended a 12 yr old girl (we called Donna) and her Mother. Donna had RHD and needed mitral valve surgery. She was sent to the US for surgery and did well. Ed assisted in these arrangements.
Ed was high spririted, full of energy, fun, sometimes wild, and we enjoyed many good times besides our work.
About July Ed went to MAG16 to fly Helicopter MedEvacs out of Marble Mt. near DaNang, I went to do the same out of ChuLai with MAG36 HMM361. I can imagine that Ed and I faced the same experiences. We would fly one day 24hr. MedEvac, then a day at SAR (Search & Rescue) then a day of clinic work. The MedEvac days were sometimes an endless 24hr stretch of flights, or so it seemed. I had one day (Dec.16) of 22 flights, half were R&R (received and returned fire) those were double credit toward an Air Medal. So you could get a medal in one day. So what!
For myself, I was frightened and felt like it was some other-world experience, didn't believe I'd get back and not wasted. We saved lives, many. Brought comfort and safety to the wounded, so it seemed there was purpose to our own part in the madness.
We carried hundreds of dead and wounded and I always felt a deep and heavy sadness knowing the coming grief and loss that would soon descend on the loved ones, parents, children.
I send my prayers for the family and friends of Ed. He was a good friend to me, and the Earth was blessed for his time with us.

I haven't forgotten,

Jim Peterson (612) 927 5569

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

Edwin is buried at Ft Rosecrans Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Edwin Earl Cooper, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Doc Cooper, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND