World War II Honoree

Joe F. Cockrum

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Clarence, Missouri

Honored By

Adam & Amanda Cockrum

Relationship

Grandson & Granddaughter

SERVED AS A COOK WITH RANK OF PRIVATE 1ST CLASS FROM 1944 TO 1946 IN THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. WENT TO BASIC TRAINING AT FORT ROBERTS, CALIFORNIA AND ON TO THE PHILIPPINES WITH THE 511TH INFANTRY DIVISION FOR CLEAN-UP. WHILE IN THE PHILIPPINES HE SIGNED UP WITH THE 511TH AIRBORNE DIVISION. WHILE ABOARD A PLANE TO SERVE AT OKINAWA THE SECOND ATOMIC BOMB WAS DROPPED. AFTER THAT, HE WENT TO JAPAN TO SERVE WITH THE CLEAN UP. HE EARNED HIS WINGS WHILE MAKING ALL HIS JUMPS OVER JAPAN. RECEIVED THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN RIBBON, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, ARMY OF OCCUPATION (JAPAN) MEDAL, RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP BADGE, 2 OVERSEAS BARS AND LAPEL BUTTON.