Gregg Lawrence Cochrane was born November 1, 1949 to Natalie and Robert Cochrane (1923-1994). He was on the track team, played football and took Spanish. All the normal things young men did. Then he was drafted into the US Army.

Track Team, 1966

Upon his arrival in Vietnam on 3 August 1969, he was assigned to a regiment in the 1st Infantry Division - The Big Red One. On September 24, after only 7 weeks in country, his company ran into an enemy unit.

Two men were killed when they encountered that enemy unit approximately 4 kilometers Southwest of Phouc Vinh, South Vietnam. The 2 men killed in the incident were:

To the Editor:

With regard to a letter you printed from Jack Boyd concerning sending troops to Bosnia, I agree that our boys are being sent on another hopeless crusade. I'm not for or against President Clinton, but I am very tired of hearing people bring up Clinton's lack of military service. Mr. Boyd gives the impression that military men make better presidents, rather than those men who were not eager to rush off to kill others or be killed.

My 19-year-old son died because a military president was led to believe we needed to send troops to Vietnam. And along came other ex-military presidents and their staff, who did not have the guts to end that futile and unconstitutional war until it became unpopular with the American people.

I wish I had sent my son to Canada, so he could be spending Christmas with me. I find no peace in knowing he died for political reasons.

Let's not forget that a president does not make government decisions alone. And perhaps it is time for us to admit that we are all to blame, in one way or another.

Unknown Author, Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Honor The Veteran Blog Spot

PFC Cochrane's name stood out at me today when I was putting together the Daily Wall posting. I noticed he was from the same area I live. Just up the road actually.

Gregg Lawrence Cochrane was born November 1, 1949. He lived in Santa Clara, California. He was on the track team, played football and took Spanish. All the normal things young men did. Then he was drafted into the US Army.

PFC Cochrane served in B Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. The Big Red One. His unit was just south of Phuoc Vin, Vietnam when PFC Cochrane was killed. The date was September 24, 1969. Gregg would have been 20 in 5 weeks.

Gregg Cochrane is fondly remembered by those who knew him. Some of the commentators on his memorial at The Wall of Faces site remember him as having been a great friend, funny, beautiful smile, special son and good man. He is certainly missed by many people.

Gregg is buried just a few miles from me in the Veterans section at Oak Hill Cemetery. I plan on visiting him this Saturday and paying tribute to this special person who lives on in the hearts of so many.

Thank you PFC Cochrane for ansering the call, for serving your country and for giving the ultimate sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.