Private First Class Ardon Bradley "Brad" Cooper, A Soldier's Story
Private First Class Ardon Bradley "Brad" Cooper, A Soldier's Story
Ardon Bradley Cooper was born on September 19, 1967, in Seattle, Washington. He attended primary schools in the Seattle area before relocating with his family to Castle Rock, Colorado, where he graduated from Douglas County High School.
An accomplished athlete, Cooper excelled in football and lacrosse and distinguished himself in less traditional arenas as well. In 1988, he was a finalist for the United States Olympic curling team, a reflection of both his competitive drive and his willingness to take on uncommon challenges.
In 1989, Cooper enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 5th Cavalry and deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War.
On February 20, 1991, during the Battle of Wadi Al-Batin, Private First Class Cooper was killed in action. While attempting to aid another wounded soldier, a mortar round struck his gun turret. He was 23 years old.
Private First Class Ardon Bradley “Brad” Cooper is buried at Acacia Memorial Park in Lake Forest Park, Washington. His service reflects courage under fire and a final act defined by concern for others, a soldier who placed a fellow servicemember’s life ahead of his own.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
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