Lieutenant General Charles G. Cooper was a highly decorated combat veteran. At the time of his 1985 retirement he was the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1950 and led infantry forces in the Korean and Vietnam wars. His decorations included the Silver Star and two awards of the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat in 1951 in Korea. He also received two awards of the Legion of Merit for participating in heavy action as a commanding officer in Vietnam. Other decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.