JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — It was a bittersweet day Friday for family and friends of a Chautauqua County solider who lost his life in service of his country.
Following a dedication ceremony, a portion of State Route 60 in Jamestown will now be known as PFC Charles S. Cooper Jr. Memorial Highway.
PFC Cooper was killed by an IED in Baghdad on April 29, 2005 while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"America's legacy of liberty and democracy has been fiercely defended and preserved by generations of courageous young people like Private First Class Cooper," said NYS Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. "With his whole life ahead of him, he made the choice to enlist at the height of the Iraq war knowing he would be deployed to a war zone on the other side of the world. Even after he received the Purple Heart for being wounded, he bravely returned to combat. However, tragically, his next injury would claim his life."
In addition to the Purple Heart, PFC Cooper was awarded the Army Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Combat Infantry badge and a Bronze Star.
“Every time a traveler passes the “PFC Charles S. Cooper, Jr. Memorial Highway” sign on Route 60 in Jamestown, they will be reminded of his brave and courageous service,” said New York State Department of Transportation Regional Director Frank Cirillo. “PFC Cooper is a hometown hero whose service will not be forgotten.”
