Ardie R Copas
Born August 29, 1950
Fort Pierce, Florida
Died May 12, 1970 (aged 19)
Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1969–1970
Rank Specialist 4
Unit 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Battles/wars Vietnam War
Awards
Medal of Honor issued 18 Mar 2014
Bronze Star Medal (2)
Purple Heart
Citation
Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Machinegunner 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 May 12, 1970. That morning, Specialist Four Copas’ 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’ daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his comrades. Specialist Four Copas’ 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.
Congressional Medal of Honor Society:
http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3490/copas-ardie-r.phpFindAGrave:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12...Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardie_R._Copas ********
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