The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph W. Cochran (ASN: 0-724384), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 65th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, aerial operations over St. George’s Channel, near Rabaul, New Britain, on 8 December 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Cochran, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.