World War II Honoree

Walter E. Cooter

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Carroll, Virginia

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: PRIVATE 1ST CLASS. HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY OCTOBER 21, 1942 AT ROANOKE, VIRGINIA. AFTER PARATROOPER TRAINING, HE SERVED WITH THE 3RD PLATOON, D-COMPANY, 1ST BATTALION, 501ST PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. PARTICIPATED IN THE INVASION OF HOLLAND, CODE NAME: OPERATION MARKET GARDEN AND JUMPED INTO THE AREA NEAR ARNHEM THE DESIGNATED DROP ZONE. KILLED IN ACTION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1944 BY A GERMAN SNIPER IN THE VICINITY OF DRIEL DURING THE BATTLE OF OPHEUSDEN, NETHERLANDS CAMPAIGN. HE IS BURIED IN THE NETHERLANDS AMERICAN CEMETERY LOCATED AT MARGRATEN, NETHERLANDS. DECORATION AND CITATION: AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART FOR HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE IN DEFENSE OF HIS COUNTRY.