National Flight Log

Robert W J Cocks

CDR · USN/USNR

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Robert W J Cocks

CDR · USN/USNR

05/20/1942 – 04/29/1981

Los Angeles, CA

Service Details

Date of Death

05/04/2017

School / Education

Northern Arizona U / U Southern California

Pilot Designation

Naval Aviator

Highest Designation

Legion of Merit (w/Combat V)

Service Years

05/20/1942 – 04/29/1981

Theaters of Service

Pacific Theater - Assigned with Air Group 11 (VB-11) on both Guadacanal and the USS <i>Hornet</i> (CV-12) for a total of 30 months.<div>38 combat missions: Hong Kong Harbor, Formosa (Taiwan), Luzon, Okinawa, French Indo China, China Sea, Bataan Peninsula, Yap Island, Pescadores Islands, Manila Bay, Aparri, Munda Airfield, Shipping off Kahili, (New Guinea), Samar and the Battle of Leyte Gulf (Second battle of the Philippine Sea).</div>

Aircraft Flown

TBM<div>F6F</div><div>SBD</div><div>SBC2 (The "Beast")</div>

Duty Assignments

VB-11<div>Guadalcanal</div><div>USS <i>Hornet</i> (CV-12)</div>

Service Organizations

Masonic Temple<div>Military Officers Association</div><div>American Legion</div><div>Veterans of Foreign Wars</div><div>American Judicature Society</div><div>Retired Federal Employees Association</div><div>
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Achievements & Story

330 flight hours, 38 combat missions, he was on beach and witnessed Gen McArthur come ashore at Leyte Gulf. Ancient Order of the Deep (Trusty Shellback), Economics of National Security Certificate, Beach Intelligence Certificate, Combat Staff Techniques/Operational Planning Certificate. PhD in Public Administration from USC. Division Chief, Los Angeles County Probation Dept. Deputy Chief United States Federal Probation Dept. Helped create a non-profit organization- Industry Corrections Interface, that assists parolees getting back into the workforce and re-entering society.<div>Commander, US Nav Res, Deputy Chief US Probation. <br><div>Air Medal (w/Gold Star) in lieu of a second medal, Presidential Unit Citation.</div><div>Distinguished Flying Cross.</div></div>