35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 James Edward Cooley    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Delta Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 James Edward Cooley, who died in the service of his country on January 20th, 1970 in Pleiku Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Accidental Self-Destruction (Grenade). At the time of his death James was 21 years of age. He was from Baltimore, Maryland. James is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 14W, Line 48.

The decorations earned by SP4 James Edward Cooley include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


James is buried at the Cherry Grove Cemetery in Darlington, SC


(His ARCOM Citation)

The Army Commendation Medal is Presented Posthumously to Specialist Four James E Cooley

For the performance of exceptionally meritorious service in support of the United States objectives in the counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam. Through his outstanding professional competence and devotion to duty, Specialist Four James Cooley consistently obtained superior results. Working long and arduous hours he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. The loyalty, initiative, and will to succeed that he demonstrated at all times materially contributed to the successful accomplishment of the mission of the command. His performance was in keeping with the best traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the military service.