Interview with Lewis W. Cochran, January 29, 1985

Partial Transcript: --make sure we're getting everything.

Segment Synopsis: Cochran introduces himself. He talks about his time as an instructor at Morehead State University, as well as working for his PhD at the University of Kentucky. He goes into his life in Lexington, Kentucky and his life as an instructor.

Keywords: Great Depression; Lexington (Ky.); Physics; Professors; Students; Teachers; Trains

Subjects: College environment; College students.; College teachers--Social conditions; College teaching.; Depressions--1929--Kentucky; Education, Higher--Kentucky; Educators; Morehead State University; Universities and colleges--Faculty.; University of Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Now how did--you went to Cumberland University in 1941. How did you end up there?

Segment Synopsis: Cochran moved to Cumberland University with his wife. He talks about the differences in responsibilities of working at a liberal arts college with a small student body versus working at a large university.

Keywords: Administration; Disciplinary; Instructors; Liberal arts college movement; Liberal arts colleges; Professors; Travel

Subjects: College environment; College students.; College teachers--Social conditions; College teaching.; Cumberland University; Education, Higher; Educators; Universities and colleges--Faculty.

Partial Transcript: So you came up--back up to Lexington then in December. And, and, uh, tell me a little bit about getting involved with the signal corps.

Segment Synopsis: Cochran talks about the opportunity to open a signal depot and signal maintenance schools all around the country, and talks specifically about the school based in Lexington, Kentucky.

Keywords: Instructors; Lexington (Ky.); National schools; Professors; Radio; Students; WW2; World War II

Subjects: College environment; College students.; College teachers--Social conditions; College teaching.; Education, Higher--Kentucky; Educators; Signals and communication technology; Universities and colleges--Faculty.; World War, 1939-1945

Partial Transcript: Now after you set up these programs to train, uh, the 10,000, uh, people in the, in the vocational schools and the people out here at Avon...

Segment Synopsis: Cochran's draft number was called, so he was commissioned as a lieutenant for his previous military service and shipped off to boot camp.

Keywords: Bootcamps; Education; Engineers; Military bases; WW2; World War II

Subjects: Military camps; Military education; Military engineering; World War, 1939-1945

Partial Transcript: We came back to Lexington then, um--I came back in June.

Segment Synopsis: Cochran had to move the signal school from Lexington to Baltimore, and he tells how he moved such a far distance without the school missing one class. He also speaks on the students and enrollment of the school at that time.

Keywords: Education; Instructors; Professors; Signal schools; Signals; Students

Subjects: Baltimore (Md.); Lexington (Ky.); Railroad travel.; Signals and communication technology

Partial Transcript: And so you were there two years and then what, what was next?

Segment Synopsis: Cochran spent his time as a radio operator lieutenant traveling and clearing Japanese islands. He talks about how his time in the military affects him long term.

Keywords: Family; Invasions; Ocean travel; Post-war world; Travel; Victory; Warfare; World War II

Subjects: Families.; Japan; Signals and communication technology; World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Japan; World War, 1939-1945--Japan

Partial Transcript: I was sent to the 41st infantry division.

Segment Synopsis: Cochran talks about his shipment around Japan with the 41st infantry. He spent less time doing radio work and more time exploring and learning.

Keywords: 41st infantry division; Bombing; Hiroshima (Japan); Military; Post-war world; Shipments; Tokyo (Japan); Wars; World War II

Subjects: Japan; Signals and communication technology; World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Japan; World War, 1939-1945--Japan

Partial Transcript: Uh, another time, I was asked to go up on top of the mountain and investigate radio stations that were still operating.

Segment Synopsis: Cochran spent time in Japan working with Japanese soldiers and citizens in post-war campaigns. He talks about how they communicated and how they worked for the United States military.

Keywords: Communication; Japanese language; Languages; Post-war world; Production; Radio; Wars; World War II

Subjects: Japan; Signals and communication technology; World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Japan; World War, 1939-1945--Japan

Partial Transcript: 'Course at the time you were, you were in charge from December to May you were just--

Segment Synopsis: Cochran reflects on his final days in Japan. He talks about his memories of Japan, and how he missed his family and was ready to return. His short time in the military resulted in a lot of stories.

Keywords: Family; Home; Japan; Military service; Wars

Subjects: Families.; Japan; Signals and communication technology; World War, 1939-1945; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Japan; World War, 1939-1945--Japan; World War, 1939-1945--Veterans.