Col. Philip Cochran (1910-1979)
Erie, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
WW II hero. Cochran distinguished himself as a daring pilot commanding P-40 fighter planes in N. Africa and as the colorful leader of the 1st Air Commandos during the invasion of Burma. He became a colonel at the age of 33 and earned such honors as the Distinguished Service Medal and British Distinguished Service Order. The Erie native inspired cartoon characters Flip Corkin in "Terry & the Pirates" and Gen. Philerie in "Steve Canyon."
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Erie native Philip Cochran carved out a reputation as one of World War II's most colorful airmen. He first drew notice flying P-40 fighters in North Africa, then commanded the 1st Air Commando Group during the 1944 Allied campaign in Burma, pioneering the use of gliders and light aircraft to insert troops deep behind Japanese lines. A colonel at 33, he earned the Distinguished Service Medal and Britain's Distinguished Service Order—and inspired cartoonist Milton Caniff's characters Flip Corkin and General Philerie.
Why it matters
Cochran helped invent modern air-commando warfare, and his flair made him a household face on the comics page, blending real wartime daring with American popular culture.
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Related people
- · Philip Cochran
Related events
- · World War II
- · Burma campaign
Themes & tags
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