Born: January 1, 1917
Died: March 18, 1985
Campaigns Served: None with First Battalion
Highest Rank Attained: Chief Cook
Decorations: Purple Heart
"Getting ready for the 'smoker.'" James Coburn (left) with cook John Yonkers (right) and Bob Williams. Camp Pendleton, 1943.
James A. Coburn enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940. He was assigned to the headquarters company of the Parris Island post troops after his graduation; while there, he began serving as a mess attendant. Coburn eventually became a full-fledged cook, and by 1943 was serving as the Chief Cook for Company A at Camp Pendleton, California.
James Coburn (shirtless) faces the wrath of Bill Imm, Donald Hart, Robert Williams, Thomas McCay, and JJ Franey, who have been conscripted into KP duty.
On September 23, 1943, Coburn was convicted of "being under the influence of intoxicating liquor" - so much so that he was unfit for duty. He was reduced in rank to Field Cook, and the next day was transferred to the Third Battalion.
Coburn suffered an additional reduction in rank; he was serving as an assistant cook when wounded in action. The Anniston Star newspaper carried Coburn's name on a casualty list on September 3, 1944.
James Coburn reached the rank of Staff Sergeant by the time of his retirement from the Corps. He died in Hartsville, Tennessee, in 1985, and is buried in Hartsville Memorial Gardens.
Photo by Danny Richards, FindAGrave.com volunteer.