PFC Douglas Leonard Cordo

1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Wainwrigh
US Army

PFC Cordo's Act of Heroism

Douglas Volunteered to Drive a Stryker vehicle that day. As he was on patrol his vehicle hit a road side bomb. Doug was the only who died on that day 8-19-11 and two others were hurt. he was only 20 years old.

My Hero

Douglas Volunteered to drive that day. Doug wasn't normally a driver, he was an Assistant Gunner. Douglas always stepped up when others didn't want to. The general told me that Doug would grab extra supplies, when they went out on patrol so they wouldn't run out of things like water of food. He said i wish we had more Soldiers like Doug. His kindness earned him a bronze star medal. Doug had a special talent to make people laugh. One guy from his unit told me, that Doug was the funniest guy they ever met, and that we are over here in this hell hole, and he would make us forget we were here. If you were down doug would cheer you up. All Doug had to do is walk in a room and you would start to laugh Douglas was my only child. He lived more in 20 years , then most people i know in their lifetime .He never wasted a min of his life. He is so missed and he touched the life's of so many. Doug is my son, my hero and my life.

Letters

1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division, out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
US Army


PFC Douglas Cordo served in Afghanistan as a Assistant Gunner. He volunteered to drive a Stryker vehicle, when an improvised explosive device detonated while his unit patrolled the Zabul Province village of Shah Joy in Afghanistan. August 19, 2011


MY HERO

As a single mother raising Douglas on my own. Douglas was born in Kingston, NY on July 18, 1991. The first day I held him and looked into is his eyes, I fell in love with my son. He was my pride and joy. my heart and soul. Doug was my only child. Doug attended Kingston Schools, and graduated from the Kingston High School, Class of 2009. He played junior varsity high school football, Kingston Little League baseball, Babe Ruth baseball and soccer. he loved the New York Jets, New York Yankees, and loved video games, and loved to drive his cars fast. Doug took a great amount of pleasure in making people laugh, He entered The United States Army in March of 2010. He did his Basic training at Fort Benning GA.

Doug loved his family more then anything. His Cousin Danny, Zachery, Becky and Collin meant the world to him, He loved life and his friends. For a young boy, who only lived until his 20th birthday, he lived a full life and never let a moment pass him by. He lived more in 20 years than most people I know who have lived full life. His friends all call him Doug Life, or Dougie Fresh. His platoon buddies, all told me that Doug was the funniest guy they ever met and that they never met anyone like him before. while over in Afghanistan, Doug made them forget they were over there. They would say if someone was down, Doug would cheer them up. Doug was a great soldier! He was a great son, grandson, nephew, cousin and a great friend to everyone one. He was a carefree, loving person. The last Day I spent with my son, He stood up with me when I got married. the last time, I saw my son was march 19, 2011 the day I got married. then he had to leave. That day will always be special, to see him smile, and have so much fun on his last day at home. The photo I picked for you to paint is the last photo my son sent to me right before he left to go to Afghanistan he just washed his car to get it ready for storage.. Its one on of my favorites photos of him on US soil. I'm so proud of my son, I had so much fun being his mom and dad. I wouldn't change a thing about my son.. my son was-an amazing person with a contagious smile my son is My hero!!!!

List of medals and Ribbons:

Purple heart
Bronze Star.
Good Conduct Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
NATO medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 star)
National Defense Service Medal
Combat Infantry Badge

Afghanistan Campaign Medal Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal Ribbon
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Ribbon
Purple Heart Medal Ribbon
Army Good Conduct Medal Ribbon
Bronze Star Medal Ribbon
NATO ISAF medal Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon


LETTER to my son.

My Dear Dougie, from the first day i held you i fell in love with the most amazing son. your life was taken away from me too soon. you were the best son I could ever ask for. When they came and told me I lost you. I told them, NO they have the wrong kid, nothing can happen to my son. I also died that day. how do I live without you.. Your life was just beginning. I was so proud to watch you graduate from high school, then when you decided to go in the army I couldn't be more proud of you. i was upset you went into infantry, But I know, it's what you wanted since you were 4 years old. We all love & miss you so much. It's so hard for me to move on. I know you want me to. but to grow old without you. never seeing you get married, ill never be a grandmother. Everyday for me is a daily struggle, to think of moving on with life without you is very hard. It just seems so surreal that your not here with me anymore. It's always been you and I. A lot of your friends are having kids now, I'm happy for them. But then I see everything changing but you and I. you will always be 20 years old. I carry you everywhere in my heart, If I could I would trade places with you. You brought so much joy to so many people. I'm so Honored to be your mom. I was blessed that god would give you to me. I raised a hero, I know you would say i was just doing my job. You are a very special son, grandson, nephew ,cousin, and friend!!!

I will forever keep your memory alive & I will love & miss you till my last breath.
Love you always