She grew up in poverty, never owning a pair of shoes until she was nine. Cochran was raised in a foster home and began her working life before she was a teenager. Female aviator and test pilot who was part of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC). This snapshot of Jacqueline Cochran's life was captured by the 1940 U.S. Census. Records may include photos, original documents, family history, relatives, specific dates, locations and full names. Discover the real story, facts, and details of Jacqueline Cochran. Jacqueline Cochran (May 11, 1906 - August 9, 1980) was a pioneer in the field of American aviation, considered to be one of the most gifted racing pilots of her generation. In 1940, she was 12 years old and lived in Washington, Kansas, with her father, mother, 2 brothers, and 4 sisters. Born May 11, 1906, Jacqueline Cochran was a pioneer American aviator, considered to be one of the most gifted racing pilots of her generation. May 11, 1906 – August 9, 1980 . Jacqueline Cochran was born, date uncertain, near the sawdust roads, cotton fields and small sawmill town of DeFuniak Springs in West Florida. Taurus Pilot #6. She was an important contributor to the formation of the wartime Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) and Women … Jacqueline Cochran was a famous Aviator, test pilot, spokesperson, and businessperson, who was born on May 11, 1906.As a person born on this date, Jacqueline Cochran is listed in our database as the 67th most popular celebrity for the day (May 11) and the 60th most popular for the year (1906). Jacqueline Cochran, born Bessie Lee Pittman in the Florida Panhandle, was the youngest of the five children of Mary (Grant) and Ira Pittman, a skilled millwright who moved from town to town setting up and reworking saw mills. She was married to Floyd Odlum. She was an important contributor to the formation of the wartime Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Jacqueline Cochran Historical records and family trees related to Jacqueline Cochran. Founder of the WASP program. She died on August 9, 1980 in Indio, California, USA. Jacqueline Cochran was born on May 11, 1906 in Pensacola, Florida, USA as Bessie Lee Pittman. Explore Jacqueline Cochran's biography, personal life, family and cause of death. Jacqueline “Jackie” Cochran was one of the most accomplished and famous aviators of the 20th century. Learn about Jacqueline Cochran: her birthday, what she did before fame, her family life, fun trivia facts, popularity rankings, and more. Her poverty and lack of education did not deter her. About. We cannot begin to tell the stories of individual WASP until we have told the story of the woman responsible for their existence. While in her teens, she became a successful salon stylist in New York City.