Cooper, Charles G. Lt. Gen. USMC, Ret. (Age 81) General Cooper passed away on April 26, 2009, at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, surrounded by his loving family. Charlie was born December 24, 1927, in Clarksdale, MS, where he graduated from Bobo High School in 1945. An All-State tackle in high school, he went on to play varsity guard and tackle at the University of Mississippi and the Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1950. In September 1950, he married the love of his life, Carol Edgerton at theNaval Academy Chapel. After completing the Basic School in March 1951, Charlie was assigned to Company B-1-5, First Marine Division in Korea as a rifle platoon commander. Seriously wounded in the Korean counter- offensive of 1951, he received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart Medal (two awards). Overcoming the prognosis of career-ending injuries, he returned to full duty in early 1953, eventually commanding infantry units at every level. He served twice as battalion commander (2/8, Second Marine Division and 1/7, First Marine Division in Vietnam), was CO of Marine Barracks-Washington DC, CG 1 Marine Amphibious Force/First Marine Division,CG MCRD-San Diego, and CG Marine Corps Base, Camp LeJeune. He also served as Marine Corps congressional liaison, and Director of Manpower, USMC. Charlie retired as commanding general, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific, in 1985. Throughout his 35-year career, he was recognized as an inspirational leader who passionately fostered his Band of Brothers concept. After leaving active duty, he consulted on defense related issues, was a guest lecturer on leadership and political/military affairs,and remained devoted to and active in Marine Corps affairs. In 2004,he received USNA's Distinguished Graduate Award. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol; children, Captain Charles G. Chip Cooper III, USN (Ret.) and Linda Cooper Thompson and husband Steve; former daughter-in-law, Maria Cooper; sister, MaryAnn West; and brother, Bill Cooper. To his adoring family, Charlie Cooper was a beacon of love and a hero who illustrated to all how to live life to the fullest. Funeral services will be held at the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. with friends and family gathering at the Chapel at 12:30 p.m. Interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery will follow. Arrangements by Murphy Funeral Home of Arlington.
The Washington Times
August 10, 2009