THE WALL OF FACES

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On April 24, 1966, a multi-plane strike force departed Korat Airbase, Thailand on a strike mission on a highway-railroad bridge north of Hanoi. The target was a vital link, bearing traffic coming down from China. The Squadron Commander (and commander of the mission), LTC William E. Cooper was in one flight of four F-105s. As the first flight approached the target, Cooper's F-105D was hit by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). The plane subsequently broke in half, and the front section, with canopy intact, was observed as it fell into a flat spin. Witnessed did not see Cooper eject and and believed the he went down with the aircraft, but there was doubt enough that the Air Force determined him Missing in Action rather than killed. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dear Colonel William Earl 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Major William Earl Cooper (AFSN: 0-52496), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Mission Commander of a multi-aircraft strike against a heavily defended railroad bridge on a main supply line Northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam on 1 December 1965. Realizing the significance of the target, Major Cooper exposed himself dangerously in order to insure accurate navigation in difficult terrain partially obscured by broken weather conditions. His excellent judgment resulted in the immediate acquisition of the target. Ordnance deliver was accomplished with the complete destruction of the defensive position assigned to him. By so doing, Major Cooper simplified and insured the accurate target acquisition for the remainder of the strike force, as well as diminishing the defensive capability of the hostile forces. His outstanding leadership and airmanship resulted in the successful destruction of other defensive positions by the aircraft immediately following him, allowing the main strike force to concentrate on the railroad bridge itself under reduced defensive fire. The bridge was destroyed. Major Cooper's excellent leadership, selfless devotion to duty and outstanding judgment reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: December 1, 1965

Service: Air Force

Rank: Major

Company: 469 Tactical Fighter Squadron

Division: Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

Distinguished Flying Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Lieutenant Colonel [then Major] William Earl Cooper (AFSN: 0-52496), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against an opposing armed force in North Vietnam on 31 March 1966. On that date, Colonel Cooper was the leader of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs. After bombing their assigned target, Colonel Cooper located a camouflaged truck convoy and initiated the attack. His cannon fire ripped through the convoy in spite of the intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery. His aircraft was hit, causing a gaping three-foot diameter hole in the wing. His utility hydraulic system was depleted and one gear hung partially in the slipstream. Under these highly adverse conditions Colonel Cooper returned his stricken aircraft safely to the home base. The left tire blew predictably upon landing, and Colonel Cooper displayed his superior abilities again as he fought his aircraft to a stop utilizing perfect emergency breaking procedures. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Cooper reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: March 31, 1966

Service: Air Force

Rank: Lieutenant Colonel

Company: 469 Tactical Fighter Squadron

Division: Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand