Robert Charles Cozens

Military
media-44505.jpeg UPL 44505 LTCOL Robert C. Cozens
Pilot/Command Pilot
95th BG - 334th BS

Object Number - UPL 44505 - LTCOL Robert C. Cozens Pilot/Command Pilot 95th BG - 334th BS

Assigned to 334BS, 95BG, 8AF USAAF. 25 x missions. ETD

 

 

Awards: DFC, AM (3OLC), EAME (2BS), WWII Victory.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 95th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18124489
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 31135149
  • Highest Rank: Technician Third Grade
  • Role/Job: Flight Engineer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-725849
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 455th Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron 741st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13007515
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 384th Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron 544th Bomb Squadron Headquarters (384th Bomb Group)
  • Service Numbers: 32284476
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator/Receiving & Shipping Clerk

Aircraft

Ground crew of the 95th Bomb Group attend to an explosion caused whilst loading bombs into a B-17 Flying Fortress at Alconbury. Aircraft pictured are: B-17F (serial number 42-29808) and B-17F (serial number 42-29706) nicknamed "Passion Flower" (after the Disney character from 'Bambi')- both were written off as a result of the explosion. Printed caption on reverse: 'A-25287 AG Planes 3 and 4 (later) in foreground were damaged beyond repair. The scene of the explosion, which ocurred as bombs were loaded in
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Passion Flower
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 412th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Little Jimmie, Memphis Blues
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 306th Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron 335th Bomb Squadron 336th Bomb Squadron 358th Bomb Squadron 423rd Bomb Squadron
A B-17 Flying Fortress (WF-O, serial number 42-29807) nicknamed "Lady Liberty" of the 364th Bomb Squadron, 305th Bomb Group. Printed caption on reverse: 'A25722 AC made just a few seconds before the plane was hit by Nazi flak, this photo shows the Fortress "Lady Liberty," flying in formation over occupied Europe. The faces of the bomabrdier and navigator are plainly visible. A waist gunner can also be seen at his post. U.S Air Force Photo.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lady liberty; Patsy Ann I
  • Unit: 305th Bomb Group 364th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Darlin' Dolly
  • Unit: 388th Bomb Group 95th Bomb Group 335th Bomb Squadron 803rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Spook V
  • Unit: 95th Bomb Group 334th Bomb Squadron 336th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

San Diego, California 21 January 1919 BornSan Diego, California

Enlisted

Fort Rosecrans, California 2 January 1942 EnlistedFort Rosecrans, California

Other

95th BG Combat Tour

Horham, Eye, UK 13 May 1943 - 22 December 1943

Died

San Diego, San Diego County, California 2 April 2012 ROBERT CHARLES "BOB" COZENSJanuary 21, 1919 to April 2, 2012Bob was the second child of five children (Tom, Bob, Dick, Edward (Ted) and Ann) reared by Bert and Grace Cozens. Nicknamed the "Encinitas Express", Bob was a star halfback at San Diego State where he met the love of his life song leader Patricia Anne Hamrick. This July 26th would have been their 70th wedding anniversary. When asked near the end of his life what he was most proud of, his answer was that "he had the opportunity to serve his family, his community, his county, his state, and his country. "Serving his country during WWII Bob flew 25 missions earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three clusters. After the war, Bob joined the family excavating and grading business of BG Cozens and Sons working alongside his father Bert and brother Ted. In 1960, Bob was elected Supervisor for the vast 5th District of San Diego County. His campaign promise was to "bring government closer to the people." Bob made good on his campaign promise by working tirelessly to get a branch office in Vista. In 1970 Bob had the opportunity to serve California as Ronald Reagan's director of the Department of Motor Vehicles. His stewardship resulted in the shift in vehicle registration from December to year round. From Sacramento, Bob and Pat returned to San Diego County and what would be there home for the next 37 years in Whispering Palms in Rancho Santa Fe. Two years later, Bob was asked to be the Executive Director of the newly formed Construction Industry Federation. During his fourteen years as Executive Director, he was instrumental in establishing an outstanding governmental relations program where the industry worked hand in hand with local governmental agencies in the resolution of common problems.Bob is survived by his beautiful wife, Patsy Anne, his sister Ann Largent, sister-in-law Helen Hamrick, children Rob, Lee, and Tom, their respective spouses Susan Stewart Cozens, Mike Mote, and Peggy Prettyman Cozens, a nephew, three nieces, six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Buried

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery San Diego, San Diego County, California 4 June 2012 Fort Rosecrans National CemeterySan Diego, San Diego County, California, USA PlotCC20B ROW 3 SITE 8

Robert Charles Cozens: Gallery (2 items)