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Edwin Cottrell was born January 17, 1922 in Oklahoma City, but would move with his his family at a very young age to Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania where he grew up. Edwin had some sense of the growing war in Europe, but wasn't concerned about it as he enrolled in college.

December 7, 1941 would prove to be a turning point for Edwin and his generation of young Americans. After the attack, Edwin went to enlist in the Navy, but because he had taken part in the Civilian Pilot Training Program he ultimately opted to join the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Cottrell joined the 48th Fighter Group flying P47 Thunderbolts over the skies of Europe. Most his missions were flown at low altitude, strafing and bombing military targets such as tanks and supply trains.

By war's end Edwin had 65 missions under his belt which was enough to earn him a ticket home.

Interview recorded on November 4, 2023



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