1921
Marvin
2018
Marvin Lewis Cockrell
October 14, 1921 — August 20, 2018
A San Pedro resident for over 55 years, Marvin L. Cockrell was born in Saluda, South Carolina on October 14, 1921 to the late Beulah and Fletcher C. Cockrell. He passed away on August 20, 2018 in Palm Desert, CA. surrounded by family. Marvin is survived by his loving family; daughters Anastasia Bell and Kathryn (Phillip) Garcia, stepson Steve (Sheila) Lee, sisters Geneva Shuler of Honea Path, SC, Julia Teasley of Greenville, SC and many nieces and nephews.
During a distinguished U.S. Navy career, Marvin bravely served in both WWII and the Korean War and received many awards: the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Campaign Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His Korean War awards include the Korean Service Medal with bronze star and the United Nations Service Medal. His foreign awards are the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Philippine/Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
During World War II, Marvin served on the USS Columbia, which took an active role in the Battle of Leyte in 1944. From January 6th through 9th in 1945, the Columbia was struck by three kamikaze planes while in Lingayen Gulf. Though the crew lost shipmates and the Columbia was seriously damaged, the remaining crew saved their ship, carried out their mission, and was granted the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with bronze star. After his Naval retirement, Marvin retained strong ties to his former Columbia shipmates. He remained an active member of the USS Columbia Association and until 2016, enjoyed attending yearly reunions throughout the United States. At the reunions, Marvin was known for his excellent memory and wit. In San Pedro, Marvin was an active member of the Fleet Reserve Association and served as its President.
Towards the end of his naval career, Marvin and his wife Sophia settled in San Pedro where they raised daughters Anastasia and Kathryn. While raising the young family, Marvin began his second career with Southern California Edison and retired in 1986. Marvin will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
During a distinguished U.S. Navy career, Marvin bravely served in both WWII and the Korean War and received many awards: the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Campaign Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His Korean War awards include the Korean Service Medal with bronze star and the United Nations Service Medal. His foreign awards are the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Philippine/Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
During World War II, Marvin served on the USS Columbia, which took an active role in the Battle of Leyte in 1944. From January 6th through 9th in 1945, the Columbia was struck by three kamikaze planes while in Lingayen Gulf. Though the crew lost shipmates and the Columbia was seriously damaged, the remaining crew saved their ship, carried out their mission, and was granted the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon with bronze star. After his Naval retirement, Marvin retained strong ties to his former Columbia shipmates. He remained an active member of the USS Columbia Association and until 2016, enjoyed attending yearly reunions throughout the United States. At the reunions, Marvin was known for his excellent memory and wit. In San Pedro, Marvin was an active member of the Fleet Reserve Association and served as its President.
Towards the end of his naval career, Marvin and his wife Sophia settled in San Pedro where they raised daughters Anastasia and Kathryn. While raising the young family, Marvin began his second career with Southern California Edison and retired in 1986. Marvin will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
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