The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Joe Brice Cochran (NSN: 0-60224), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a Destroyer during action against enemy Japanese forces in the New Guinea and Moluccas Areas from 20 December 1943 to 20 September 1944. Launching his ship’s gun fire in support of landings at Cape Gloucester, the Admiralties, Hollandia, Wakde, Bink, Noemfoor and Morotai, Captain Cochran aided immeasurably in reducing the enemy’s power to resist and subsequently covered invasion operations, frequently under hostile air attack. A superb seaman, intrepid and bold in the performance of duty, Captain Cochran was directly instrumental in furthering the sustained westward advance of the Allied Force through this strategically important area.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Joe Brice Cochran (NSN: 0-60224), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement as Commander, Destroyer Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the South China Sea from 9 to 20 January 1945. Working tirelessly and effectively in the performance of his vital task, Captain Cochran rendered invaluable service during a series of highly successful fueling operations in support of the Third Fleet attacks on the enemy and, by his sound judgment, bold initiative and splendid cooperation, contributed essentially to the efficiency of his command in carrying out this important mission. Captain Cochran’s outstanding skill and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Southard (DD-207)Action Date:
August 7 & September 7 – 15, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Joe Brice Cochran (NSN: 0-60224), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. SOUTHARD (DD-207), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 August and 7 to 15 September 1942. Participating in the initial attack as a screening and minesweeping vessel, the SOUTHARD, under Lieutenant Commander Cochran’s courageous and skillful leadership, frequently re-entered the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Area, despite persistent opposition by Japanese aircraft, in order to escort and protect vessels carrying reinforcements and supplies to the United States Marine forces established on the island shore. Lieutenant Commander Cochran’s gallant fortitude and conscientious devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of a vastly important mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.