b. 29/08/1950 Fort Pierce, Florida. d. 12/05/1970 Ph Romeas Hek, Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 12/05/1970 Ph Romeas Hek, Vietnam.
Ardie R Copas MOH
Copas was from Fort Pierce, Florida., and joined the U.S. Army on June 18, 1969. He served in the Vietnam War, and was killed in an action for which he was to posthumously receive the Distinguished Service Cross. The award came through the Defense Authorization Act of 2002 which called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veterans from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to ensure that no prejudice was shown to those deserving the Medal of Honor. Following the review the “Valour 24” were identified as worthy of upgrades from their DSC’s to the Medal of Honor including Ardie Copas. Copas’ daughter Shyrell Jean Herrera (nee Copas) accepted the Medal of Honor on his behalf in a March 18, 2014 White House ceremony.
MOH 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.
BURIAL LOCATION: HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS, FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA.
GARDEN OF PEACE, LOT 124, SPACE 4
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
