Cornelius Terry was born on October 23, 1949. He graduated from Fifth Street High School in West Point, MS. He was employed at Bryan Foods before entering the US Army on June 10, 1969. Upon completing basic training, he was assigned to Company D, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry in Vietnam. Corporal Terry was an expert marksman in firing the rifle, automatic rifle, and machine gun. He was killed while in base camp when the area came under mortar attack by hostile forces. Corporal Terry had been awarded the following medals: Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

Corporal Terry’s mother was presented the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his meritorious service in ground operations against hostile forces in Vietnam from December, 1969, to February 27, 1970. Corporal Terry was survived by his mother, Mrs. Mattie Terry, a brother and sisters. He was buried in the Poole’s Cemetery, Clay County, MS.