Cochran, Jacqueline, 1910-1980

Title:

Cochran, Jacqueline, 1910-1980

Description:

Bio: Jacqueline Cochran was a cosmetics executive and world-famous aviatrix. After briefly studying to be a nurse, Cochran obtained a job in a beauty parlor in Pensacola, Florida. About 1935, she founded her own company, Jacqueline Cochran Incorporated. By the late 1940s, Cochran's products were being sold in department stores across the United States. Although her cosmetics business brought her widespread recognition, Cochran is chiefly remembered for her aeronautical activities. In 1932, while living in New York City, a friend offered her a ride in an airplane. Soon after, she made her first solo flight after only a few hours instruction. She later bought her own plane and flew it around the country while developing her cosmetics business. By 1941 Cochran was one of the most famous women pilots in the United States. As such she approached the U.S. Air Force to suggest the possibility of using women as ferry pilots in wartime. When her initial proposals were turned down she went to England (becoming in the process the only woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic in World War II) and volunteered her services to the Royal Air Force. In 1942, following U.S. entry into World War II, the Air Force recognized the need for additional pilots. Cochran's earlier proposals were resurrected and she was invited back to the U.S. to head a program for training women pilots. As head of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots she supervised the training of over one thousand women, many of whom performed distinguished services in flying experimental Air Force planes. In 1948 the Air Force agreed to let WASP veterans join the Air Force Reserve. Cochran joined the Reserve where she eventually gained the rank of Colonel and remained until her retirement in 1970. Her active duty station was in the Office of Legislative Liaison. This brought her into close contact with many influential members of Congress. She was on friendly terms with many influencial Air Force officers and civilians, notably James Doolittle, Ira Eaker, Curtis LeMay, Carl Spaatz, Stuart Symington and Lyndon B. Johnson. Cochran was also actively involved in several civilian groups which support the work of the Air Force, particularly the Air Force Association and the Air Force Academy Foundation. In May 1953, while flying a Canadian jet, she became the first woman pilot to exceed the speed of sound. She later served as a consultant to NASA on the role of women in the space program.

Relation:

LBJ Connection: Long-time friend of LBJ