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The Papers of Jacqueline Cochran
SDASM.SC.10028-O/S
SDASM.SC.10028-O/S
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Title: The Jacqueline Cochran Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10028-O/S
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.4 Linear feet
1 manuscript box
Date (inclusive): 1908-1980
Abstract: This collection contains papers relating to Jacqueline Cochran's distinguished aviation career. Cochran earned her pilot's
license in 1932 and went on to help form the Women Airforce Service Pilots group during World War II.
creator:
Cochran, Jacqueline, 1906?-1980
Orphaned at an early age, the exact date of “Jackie” Cochran’s birth is unknown. However, we do know that her most distinguished
aviation career began in 1932 when she obtained her pilot’s license after only three weeks of instruction. From this point
on, she dedicated her life to aviation. Participating in her first air race in 1934, she earned the respect of fellow pilots
for her competitive spirit and high skill. Her performance in various aviation events of the 1930s is legendary. Cochran is
credited with many significant flight accomplishments attained during her flying career. Among these is her 1964 flight in
the F-104 Starfighter where she established a speed record of 1,429 miles per hour. At the beginning of World War II she became
a Wing Commander in the British Auxiliary Transport Service, ferrying U.S. built Hudson bombers to England. With the U.S.
entry into the War, she offered her services to the Army Air Corps and formed the famed Women’s Air Force Service Pilots.
This group, over 1,000 strong, played a major role in the delivery of aircraft to the combat areas throughout the world. For
this service she was awarded the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal. Some of the honors she has been accorded include the Harmon
trophy, the General William E. Mitchell Award, Gold Medal of the Federation Aeronauteque, and decorations from the numerous
other countries.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
This collection covers Jacqueline Cochran’s admirable career as a pilot and speed record holder, and covers her many valuable
contributions to the aviation world. This collection contains the certificates, awards and honors earned by Cochran throughout
her distinguished career, as well as some newspaper clippings and photographs. The materials cover the time span of Cochran’s
career, from 1939 until 1978, and consists of a variety of materials relating to the life and achievements of this great aviator.
[Item], Jacqueline Cochran Collection, Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
United States. Army Air Forces.
Women Airforce Service Pilots