World War II Honoree

William Porter 'Bill' Cochrane, Sr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Charlotte, North Carolina

Honored By

Steve Cochrane

Relationship

Son

HE ENTERED THE MILITARY FOR ACTIVE SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 29, 1942. HE SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATRE OF OPERATIONS AS A TECHNICAL SERGEANT IN THE 15TH ARMY AIR FORCE. AS AN AERIAL ENGINEER AND GUNNER, HE PARTICIPATED IN 43 MISSIONS IN THE CAMPAIGNS OF NORMANDY, ROME-ARNO, NAPLES-FOGGIA, AIR OFFENSIVE EUROPE, SOUTH FRANCE AND AIR COMBAT BALKANS, NORTH FRANCE. HE ALSO SERVED AS A TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR. HIS AWARDS INCLUDED 7 BRONZE STARS, AIR MEDAL WITH SILVER OAK LEAF CLUSTER, AND A GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL. HE WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1945.