Rank: Corporal
Unit: K Trp, 3D Squadron, 2D Armored Cavalry Regiment
MOS: 63T-Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Mechanic
Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Suadia Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
Badges: Master Driver Badge for Tracked vehicles and Motorcycles, Expert Badge with Pistol, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle and Bayonet
Enlisted: 1979 into the USMC, enlisted into Army in 1988
Date of birth: 12 September 1961
Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware
Campaign: Operation Desert Storm
Died: 26 February 1991
Age at death: 29
Cause of death: Killed in action – Small Arms Fire
Location of fatality: Iraq
Place of interment: Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Delaware
Click to open an external link to view Soldier’s grave site on the Find A Grave website.
Note:
Served in US Marine Corps from 1979 to 1983
Corporal from 1988 to 1991 as 63T in K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Amberg, Germany
Cpl. James R. McCoy was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross from the state of Delaware.
Office of the Adjutant General, State Armory ,Wilmington, 20 March 1991, Permanent Orders 10-1(S):
McCoy, James Robert – Corporal Troop K 2D
Armored Cavalry Regiment United States Army Amberg Germany
The following award is announced:
Award: Conspicuous Service Cross (Posthumously)
Date(s) or period of service: 9 June 1979 – 26 February 1991
Authority: Chapter 7, Section 701; Title 20, Delaware State code
Reason: For exceptionally meritorious service to Delaware and the United States while serving as a member of the Delaware Army National Guard, the United Sates Marine Corps and the United States Army. Through Corporal McCoy’s efforts and dedication to service in peace and war, the people of Delaware and the United States are able to live in security and freedom. On 26 February 1991, Corporal McCoy made the ultimate sacrifice when he gave his life for our security and freedom in Operation Desert Storm. A grateful State of Delaware presents this award in appreciation for his achievements, service and sacrifice.
By order of the Governor.
The state of Delaware also created two Historical markers dedicated to CPL McCoy. The markers are located at 39° 44.821′ N, 75° 33.782′ W. Memorial is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Hilltop. It is at the intersection of West 6th Street and North Franklin Street.