Philip Cochran

Philip Gerald Cochran
Colonel Philip Cochran, USAAF, in 1944.
Born(1910-01-29)January 29, 1910
Erie, Pennsylvania
DiedAugust 26, 1979(1979-08-26) (aged 69)
Geneseo, New York
Allegiance United States
Service/branchU.S. Army Air Corps (1935–1941)
U.S. Army Air Forces (1941–1945)
Years of service1935–1945
RankColonel
Commands1st Air Commando Group
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Order (UK) Distinguished Flying Cross
Croix de Guerre (France)

Philip Gerald Cochran (born in Erie, Pennsylvania; January 29, 1910 - August 26, 1979) was an officer in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Army Air Forces. Cochran developed many tactical air combat, air transport, and air assault techniques during the war, particularly in Burma during operations as co-commander (with Col John R. Alison) of the 1st Air Commando Group.[1] Cochran was the inspiration behind characters in the Terry and the Pirates and Steve Canyon by Milton Caniff.

  1. ^ Busch, Briton Cooper (2006). Bunker Hill to Bastogne: Elite Forces and American Society. Brassey's. p. 176. ISBN 1-57488-775-0.