Edsel Franklin Cooper enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1948 and attended basic training through June 1948. While stationed at Camp Stoneman July 1948 through July 1949, he was attached to the 8th Army, Japan Logistics Command, Yokoyama, Japan through June 1952. His next duty was Camp Chaffe, Arkansas then to Fort Lee, Virginia in July 1952 through October 1953. In November 1953 Edsel was back to Japan with the logistics command at Camp Zama, in Yokoyama. In July 1957, Edsel transferred back to Fort Ord, California. In February 1957 he was transferred to Headquarters 8th Army in Seoul, Korea. In March 1958 back to Fort Riley, Kansas with the 1st Infantry Division. In August 1959 Edsel went to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. In April 1960 to Martin Aerospace Company then to the 4th Missile Battalion at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. In June 1965 to 2nd region A.A.D.C., Richards Gebaur Air Force Base, Kansas City, Missouri. In July 1967; to the 8th Infantry division at Bad Knusnick, Germany and finally in October 1967 through June 1968 at NATO Headquarters, Moins, Belgium. Edsel retired from Fort Hamilton, Kentucky on July 31, 1968 with 20 years service.