Western KY State Teachers College graduate Jim Cooper began his USAF career flying the 4-engine KC-135 Stratotanker, flying with the Strategic Air Command for nearly a decade. In 1967, he was chosen to go to Vietnam to fly the tiny O-1 Bird Dog as a Forward Air Controller. His job was to search the jungles for enemy activity and call in airstrikes to destroy it. He was able to give critical air support to ground troops, and coordinate rescue efforts for downed pilots. He earned the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star for his actions.