THE WALL OF FACES

I served with Ardie and was with him that fateful day. We who were in Cambodia with him knew he deserved The Congressional Medal of Honor. When read in the newspaper that his D.S.C. was upgraded to the Congressional Medal of Honor I wept . Ardie was a legend in Charlie Company. I think of Ardie often. Particularly his wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace my brother.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

HOOAH

Ardie Copas was initially awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. In 2002 a review of the DSC awards was called for by Congress, and his award was one of 24 DSCs upgraded to the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Battalion: 1st Battalion (Mechanized)
Division: 25th Infantry Division
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 119 (January 13, 1971)

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Ardie Ray Copas, United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner in Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia on 12 May 1970. That morning, Specialist Four Copas's company was suddenly attacked by a large hostile force firing recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. As Specialist Four Copas began returning fire, his armored car was struck by an enemy recoilless round, knocking him to the ground and injuring four American Soldiers beside the vehicle. Ignoring his own wounds, Specialist Four Copas quickly remounted the burning vehicle and commenced firing his machinegun at the belligerents. Braving the hostile fire directed at him and the possible detonation of the mortar rounds inside the track, Specialist Four Copas maintained a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the foe while the wounded Americans were safely evacuated. Undaunted, Specialist Four Copas continued to place devastating volleys of fire upon the adversary until he was mortally wounded when another enemy round hit his vehicle. Specialist Four Copas's daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his comrades. Specialist Four Copas's extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5420

Sergeant Ardie Ray Copas was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to
C CO, 1ST BN, 5TH INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dc/CopasAR01a.htm