Cochran, << KOK ruhn, >> Jacqueline (1912-1980), was an American businesswoman and pioneer airplane pilot. She started flying in 1932, and was the only woman in the McRobertson London-Melbourne Race in 1934. Cochran also became the first woman to compete in the Bendix Trophy Race, which she won in 1938. During World War II (1939-1945), she organized and commanded the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). In 1945, she became the first civilian woman to receive the Distinguished Service Medal. Cochran owned a cosmetics firm from 1935 to 1963. In 1971, she was elected to the National Aviation Hall of Fame. She was born in Pensacola, Florida.
