THE WALL OF FACES

And always

PFC William S. Cochran was a Pioneer serving with D Company, 14th Engineer Battalion (Combat), 45th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam Engineer Command. A "Pioneer" (Cochran’s enlisted Military Occupation Specialty [MOS]) was the title given to soldiers employed to perform engineering and construction tasks. In late October 1966, elements of the 14th Engineer Battalion (Combat) arrived in Vietnam at Cam Ranh Bay. The Battalion’s heavy equipment did not arrive for several months, and the soldiers initially worked only with hand tools. Companies B and D were based at Vung Ro Bay, eighteen miles south of Tuy Hoa near National Route QL-1. Working by hand, the two companies maintained QL-1 between Tuy Hoa and Vung Ro and the access road to the recently opened port at Vung Ro Bay. For several days in November, the 14th Combat and the 577th Construction Battalions shuttled men and equipment between Tuy Hoa and Dong Ba Thin. The 14th took over the 577th’s projects at Cam Ranh Bay, and the 577th took over the 14th’s projects at Tuy Hoa. On November 6th, while engaged in loading a military vehicle with cement, Cochran was hurt in an accidental discharge mishap. Reportedly, another soldier inadvertently fired his weapon, the bullet striking Cochran in the head. He was fatally injured in the incident. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Engineers at War” by Adrian G. Traas]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It saddens me so few have left remembrances for you here....surely you deserve better. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear PFC William Cochran,
Thank you for your service as a Pioneer. December is here, along with all the preparations. It is almost Christmas. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Billy we were friends from the same part of Macon Ga all the boys look up to you and still to this day .Ray Chalker And I mention you in our conversations about Vietnam and people we knew you died to young but as a friend you will never be forgotten We both went to Vietnam now were old men ! Thank you for the memories !