Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Robert S. Cochrane, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Cochrane distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, 3 – 4 October 1918. Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Cochrane afforded an example of courage and devotion to duty in caring for the wounded in an area swept by machine-gun and continuous shell fire for a period of forty-eight hours. He never hesitated to expose himself whenever and wherever his assistance was needed.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Pharmacist’s Mate

    Batallion:

    6th Machine-Gun Battalion

    Regiment:

    6th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 3 – 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Robert Sharpe Cochrane, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Machine-Gun Battalion, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near St. Etienne, France, 3 – 4 October 1918. Chief Pharmacist’s Mate Cochrane continued to dress wounded when the area in which he was working was swept by machine-gun fire. He was an example of coolness to all during 48 hours of continuous shell fire, never hesitating to expose himself to danger when assistance was needed.