Margaret Cochran was born on November 12, 1751, near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 1772, at age twenty-one she married a Virgina farmer by the name of John Corbin. When the Revolutionary War began, John joined the Continental Army, and Margaret went with him. John’s company was ordered to New York. On November 16, 1776, while they were stationed at Fort Washington in upper Manhattan, 4,000 British soldiers and Hessian mercenaries attacked the outnumbered Maryland and Virginia riflemen who were defending the position. Corbin’s artillery was ordered to hold off the attackers with what few cannons they had. Every hand was needed to man the cannon and muskets.
Because of her aim and accuracy, her position drew the attention of the 10 field cannons of the Hessians, and they soon trained their guns on her. She continued to fire until she was wounded by grapeshot which tore her shoulder, almost severing her left arm, mangled her chest and lacerated her jaw. Though she received medical care, she never recovered fully from her wounds, and was unable to use her left arm for the rest of her life.
On July 6, 1779, Congress awarded Margaret a lifelong pension in recognition of her service. It was the first time the new government officially recognized the military service of a woman.
References include: National Archives | Military Awards Archive | Award Descriptions | Hall of Valor Award Database | Eisenhower Library WASPs Cochran | Virtual Wall Lane | Distinguished Flying Cross Bonham | Silver Star Hester | National Aviation Hall of Fame Cochran | Navy Cross Higbee
302 N. Wilson St. - Suite 302
Crestview, FL 32536
1250 N. Eglin Parkway, Suite 100
Shalimar, FL 32579
Call 850-689-5050 or 850-423-1542 for all departments.