AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Jack C. Cochran for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron Fourteen, attached to the U.S.S. Wasp, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, October 26, 1944. Participating in a strike against powerful units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of the Sibuyan Sea, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cochran carried out a low level attack against a large battleship and contributed materially to the success of his group in scoring three direct hits on the enemy vessel. His expert airmanship, courage and devotion to duty in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.