LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A lifelong Kentuckian who served in World War II celebrated his 102nd birthday on Sunday. James Ralph Cochran was a radio operator for the United States Army Air Forces. In Dec. 1942, U.S. Army was reorganized into three forces: Army Air Forces, Ground Forces and Services of Supply.


What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky native James Ralph Cochran is a WWII veteran who turned 102 on Sunday

  •  Several organizations that work with veterans threw Cochran a surprise birthday party 

  •  He was pleasantly surprised by the gesture and grateful to everyone involved 

A surprise party was arranged for Cochran at the assisted living center he lives in. The veteran received 102 letters from residents of Hopkinsville, where he spent many years at. He was also honored through a proclamation from U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky.

During the party, Cochran reflected on his life.

A picture of Ralph Cochran from his time of service is hung up on a wall at the assisted living center he resides at. The wall honors all of the veterans who live at the center. (Spectrum News 1/Geraldine Torrellas)

“I feel like I was fortunate because I had an excellent marriage, I had an excellent time in the service and I’m just fortunate that I’m as old as I am, and I don’t have any particular aches right now,” Cochran said.

His words of wisdom for younger Americans are to work hard and be grateful to live in America.

Several organizations that work with veterans came together to organize Sunday’s surprise party.