SGM Carlos "Charlie" Cota

ZonieDiver · 08-17-2010, 17:50

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.)

Quote:

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.

JJ_BPK · 08-17-2010, 18:45

RIP SGM, Vaya con Dios..

18DWife · 08-17-2010, 19:01

RIP

Red Flag 1 · 08-17-2010, 19:13

Rest In Peace Warrior.

Saoirse · 08-17-2010, 19:27

Rest in Peace, Warrior! Thank you for all you have done.

Tatonka316 · 08-17-2010, 20:03

Rest in Peace, SGM. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your lifetime leading and molding the warriors of Special Forces. You will ALWAYS be missed and NEVER forgotten.

molon labe

BillFishJr · 03-29-2013, 18:04

Charlie Cota was my Hero.
I would have willingly given him my life. That's who he was to me.
It’s been a week now since I learned of his passing and I simply can’t quit the memories.
We were The Four Musketeers.
Charlie, Wally Bensen, Raul Garcia, and i.
The few photos I have are a great solace at a time like this.
But for those who knew Charlie – what’s missing is ‘The Voice’. Damn what I wouldn’t give to have even one audio recording of the ‘gravel-soprano’ that was Charlie. He could have made a fortune doing voice-overs for animated movies and cartoons. Just one more way he was completely unique.

Simply put – there was never anyone better. Ever.
.
and in the end – he’s still “looking out for Fish”. If it wasn’t for seeing the Obit – I never would have gotten to this website.
Thank You Charlie.
.
“Absent Friends”.

**PRB** · 03-29-2013, 18:55

RIP SGM,
note, guys, go to reunions and see your old buds, time is short and before you know it a special guy is gone.

mark46th · 03-29-2013, 19:03

Rest in Peace, SGM...