Norman L. Cooley
Private First Class, U.S. Army

Norman L. Cooley enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 June 1942 at Fort McClellan, AL.

On 6 October 1944, Private First Class Norman L. Cooley was serving with Company A, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division.

On that day, PFC Cooley's unit was in action against German forces in the European Theater of Operations. PFC Cooley's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day, at the eventual cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Private First Class Norman L. Cooley (ASN: 34331921), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 October 1944. Private First Class Cooley's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 79th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 45 (1945)

Burial

Private First Class Norman L. Cooley is buried at the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Epinal, Departement des Vosges, Lorraine, France in Plot A, Row 28, Grave 2.