JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WKBW) — Family and friends of Private First Class Charles S. Cooper, Jr. gathered Friday for a ceremony where he was posthumously remembered with the dedication of a portion of State Route 60 in the City of Jamestown.
That portion of State Route 60 will now be known as the “PFC Charles S. Cooper, Jr. Memorial Highway.”
PFC Cooper, a lifelong Chautauqua County resident, served in the U.S. Army.
He was killed in April 2005 while serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated when he was on a dismounted patrol.
PFC Cooper was awarded the Purple Heart two weeks prior to his death for injuries he sustained from an earlier IED explosion.
“The dedication of this portion of State Route 60 in his name will serve as an enduring reminder of his enormous sacrifice and the gratitude we owe him, and all of our servicemen and women, for their defense of our precious freedoms. PFC Cooper’s example of selfless service stands as a testament to his character and love of country,” said New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell.
