SGM Carlos "Charlie" Cota

[ZonieDiver]

I had the pleasure of knowing Charlie Cota personally, when he was a MSG and "Team Daddy" in C Co, 2nd Bn, 12th SFGA. I was attached to his ODA for one AT, replacing a missing Intel Sgt. He was a fine man and a great SF soldier. He'll be missed, and I regret not getting over to Ch 75 in time to see him before his passing.

(From an email from SFA Ch 75, with permission.)

SGM Carlos “Charlie” Cota (D2637L)

SGM (R) Charlie Cota, 74, died of cancer at his home in Carlsbad, CA on Sunday, 8/15/10. He is survived by his wife, Janie and three children. He will be buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

Charlie was drafted into the “Brown Boot” Army in 1957. He attended the 82nd Jump School and served with the 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry at Ft. Bragg. He subsequently served with the 101st. He was discharged in 1961 and began serving with the 17th SFGA, USAR. In 1966, he volunteered for combat duty in RVN. He served as a recon squad leader with HHC, 1/28 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division in until January ‘67. He transferred to the 5th SFGA and spent a year there. In January, 1968 he returned to his reserve unit, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th SFGA in San Diego. He remained there for the rest of his career, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 1982.
His awards and decorations include: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star Medal with V device and OLC, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation with OLC, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Star, Master Parachutist Badge, and Vietnamese Parachutist Badge.

Charlie was a dedicated life member of the SFA, and was a past president of Chapter LXXV (75). He was loved and respected by his family, friends, and SF brothers. His loss is deeply felt by all he touched.