Albert D. Cooley

Albert Dustin Cooley (October 11, 1900 – December 10, 1976) was a highly decorated Naval aviator of the United States Marine Corps, who reached the rank of lieutenant general. For his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal, he received the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat. Cooley completed his 33-year Marine Corps career as commanding general of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

Early career

Albert D. Cooley was born on October 11, 1900, in Billings, Montana, and following high school graduation enlisted in the Marine Corps in April 1921. After three years of enlisted service, Cooley reached the NCO ranks and received a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal for his Exemplary behavior and efficiency. He was commissioned a second lieutenant and attached to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for officers' training.

Later service during World War II

In January 1943, Cooley was appointed Supply officer of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and also commanded simultaneously his old Marine Aircraft Group 14 until April of that year. He was promoted to the rank of colonel at the same time and ordered back to the United States, because Major General Geiger, 1st Marine Wing commander, was appointed Director of Marine Corps Aviation at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., and requested Cooley as his deputy.

Cooley was subsequently appointed commanding officer of Marine Air Support Group 48 in February 1945 and sailed again to the Pacific Area in May of that year. He commanded elements of his air group during the Battle of Okinawa and then during the attack on Borneo, Philippines.

In September, 1945, before the Japanese surrendered Formosa, Cooley landed on that island with a handful of Marines from Air Support Group 48 to supervise the removal of Allied prisoners of war. The Japanese on the island had given no assurance that they would not resist, and the American ships were forced to find their own way through enemy minefields before the Japanese began to cooperate. He subsequently received a letter of commendation for his handling of that difficult assignment.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Albert D. Cooley: