Combat Photographer:
James Bowlin Cochran
Bookish James B. Cochran (insert) may have joined ROTC in high school, but was also a National Honor student, speaker of Latin, spirited debater, and leader of Armistice Day parades. He was called out of his sophomore year at Southern Methodist University to join the Marine Corps, becoming a machine gunner in B/1/24. A bullet to the leg saw him evacuated from Saipan and hospitalized for a lengthy recovery.
When released, Cochran returned briefly to his old outfit but was soon picked up by the regimental intelligence section as a photographer. He carried his camera in an official capacity during the battle of Iwo Jima. Although his main job was to snap pictures of instructional or historical value, Cochran made time for some artistic shots – and, quite frequently, got his buddies from Baker Company to pose as his subjects.
Cochran survived the war (and a brutal car crash immediately after his discharge) and returned to his native Texas. He finished his degree at SMU in 1948.
All photographs on this page are by PFC James B. Cochran, USMC, and are from the Still Pictures collection at the National Archives, College Park.
- Served With: B/1/24th Marines; H&S Company 24th Marines
- Collection Timeline: February - March 1945
- Locations: Iwo Jima
Some of Cochran's favorite subjects were his former buddies from the First Battalion
“PFC R. E. Carmichael of Route #4, Charlotte, NC, writes first letter home since landing on D-Day.”
“Cooking while in reserve.” The chef’s name is unknown, but the “413” on his buddy’s trousers indicates B/1/24.
“Private First Class Charles Rospop, Route 31, RFD #1, Skillman, NJ, rests by his gun at top of Quarry.”
Rospop died of wounds on March 5, 1945. At left is PFC Patrick W. Norton.
“First Battalion, 24th Marines enjoy pineapple and turkey on the edge of a quarry.”
February 24, 1945. Serving is Captain Joseph D. Swoyer.
..
“Co. B 1/24 in reserve – note roughness of terrain.” March 8, 1945.
The battalion commander, Major Paul S. Trietel (right) with a radioman.
“Sergeant Hugh Stevenson of Oregon City, OR, reclaiming gas masks.”
“Marine [Corporal Harmon I. Chichester] examines captured Jap 7.7 heavy machine gun.”
March 7, 1945. Archive print damaged.
“Tired Marines resting under amtrac.” February 26, 1945.
HA1c Anthony Marquez (KIA March 4), unidentified, PFC Stanley E. Cupps, PFC Charles E. Thompson, Cpl. James Shearin, unidentified
“Gung-Ho” shot of Charlie Company, 24th Marines, after Iwo. These 31 men are survivors of all four battles.
