The Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center released the following statements after the passing of Medal of Honor recipient Coolidge on April 6:
“Today, our city, state and nation have lost a great American hero with the passing of Charles H. Coolidge. Mr. Coolidge was beloved by all who knew him, and his heroism was legendary.
“He received the Silver Star for his bravery in combat in Italy and the Medal of Honor for his amazing defense of Hill 623 east of Belmont sur Buttant, France against overwhelming odds in Oct. 1944.
“Many also remember Mr. Coolidge for his battle against multiple sclerosis, a disease he refused to allow to define him, for more than half a century.
“Coolidge was a model of integrity, honor and determination who is memorialized by a park, a highway and the many institutions that bear his name. However, his greatest legacy is the hundreds of thousands of lives he touched during his 99 years on Earth.
“Coolidge’s legacy will continue to impact the lives of others through the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in downtown Chattanooga, which focuses on teaching and building character in future generations and inspiring them to embody the values of patriotism, citizenship, courage, integrity, sacrifice and commitment in their daily actions to make our community and world better.
“May Mr. Coolidge rest in peace, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Noah Long
Rear admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)
chairman of the board of trustees
Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
“The passing of Medal of Honor recipient Charles H. Coolidge is an enormous loss for Chattanooga, America and the world.
“All free people mourn the loss of this great man. He, along with his fellow servicemembers, saved our Republic during World War II.
“I pray we can live up to his magnificent legacy, which is best espoused in the Medal of Honor character traits. These traits were Charles H. Coolidge.
“May he rest in eternal peace. He earned it.”
B. B. Bell
General, U.S. Army (retired)
chairman of the national advisory board
Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
“Our country has lost a great American with the passing of Medal of Honor recipient Charles H. Coolidge. He was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation, and his legacy has and will continue to shape the lives of countless people and children in our state and across the country.
“Many people know Charles Coolidge as an American hero from World War II, but I believe he is much more, as his legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration for all of us, today and for the future, on how ordinary people can face and overcome an extraordinary challenge in life.”
Bill Raines
Major general, U.S. Army (retired)
chairman emeritus
Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Source: Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center