Memorial

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Cpl Alfred E. Cooper enlisted in Toledo, Ohio on 5 July 1943.

His wife received the following tribute from Major General James M. Gavin, commanding officer of the 82nd Airborne Division: "Your husband was a member of the 325th Glider Infantry, 82nd "All American" Airborne Division. Cpl Cooper was a loyal and well disciplined soldier who had developed a high sense of duty. His humor was a great morale builder and consequently he was well liked by his comrades. Your husband was killed in Germany by enemy small arms fire while his organization was attacking an enemy strong point. Your husband was buried in Belgium, and I can assure you that this was accomplished in a most befitting manner by his comrades with a Protestant Chaplain officiating.
Putting aside family ties, the admiration, respect and affection of comrades are a soldier's most priceless possession, because collectively these comrades are unfailing judges. These possessions I believe your husband had earned in full measure. Death of such a man leaves with each member of the Division a lasting sense of loss, from which there comes to you a deep sense of personal sympathy".
James M. Gavin, Major General, U.S. Army.

Cpl Alfred E. Cooper was one of five Cooper brothers in the armed forces.