Jack Cowan Cochran

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Jack Cowan Cochran, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron FOURTEEN (VT-14), attached to the U.S.S. WASP (CV-18), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Marianas Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Boldly carrying the fight to important enemy fleet units, Ensign Cochran effectively attacked six enemy oilers and, expertly maneuvering his plane at an extremely low altitude despite enemy fighters and intense antiaircraft fire, scored three direct hits on a large hostile tanker, contributing materially to the destruction of the Japanese ship in a maze of explosions and flame. Skilled and courageous, he piloted his plane through the darkness on the hazardous and return flight to make a safe landing on board a friendly carrier. Ensign Cochran’s expert airmanship, daring combat tactics and unswerving devotion to duty were important factors in the inflicting of heavy damage on the enemy during this historic engagement, and his gallant fortitude throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval service.