Raymond James Cocklin
9/13/1895-8/17/67
Rutland native, graduating from St Peter’s school and Rutland HS.
Note: Article in the Rutland Herald that he had recently recovered from Scarlet Fever on 3/17/1917. Significant, because this did not stop him from joining the war effort two weeks later. This young man was committed to serving his country.
One of the first Vermonters to enter the war effort by joining Company A 102nd Machine Gun Battalion on April 2, 1917. As a private he was involved with Meuse Argonne battle. This fierce and bloody battle found Raymond amongst the wounded. He received the Purple Heart.
He was wounded by a machine gun bullet. His buddy was also wounded next to him. While trying to evacuate his buddy to the rear support, his gas mask was moved to the side and he suffered severe injury inhaling Chlorine gas. So severe that he lost his ability to speak for some time. He was discharged 10/24/18 back to NY where he stayed in the hospital for several months to treat his exposure to avoid pulmonary spread. There is an article in the Rutland Herald regarding his return to his home in Rutland for the holidays and then to return to NY for treatment. Final discharge 1/17/1919. Overseas 9/21/1917-12/20/1918.
1922 involved in an auto accident. A 79 year old man walked out in front of his vehicle and he was struck and died as a result of the accident. Witnesses cleared Cocklin of any fault saying he was driving slowly.
1924 Accident happened and had broken his arm. In 1925, he underwent new operation to remove bones from his shin to replace the shattered arm that would not heal correctly and was quite painful to him. He was hospitalized for several months in NY hospital.
1920’s employed at Howe Scale Company; Nichols and Barney and James Lillie Clothing stores.
1926 Managed the 1st National State Street Chain store.
In 1927 article in Rutland Herald announces Ray purchasing the Troy Shirt Company. He would be working with John J. Cocklin (also worked at Marble Savings Bank)
1928 Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign War.
1929-1932 He was the most successful membership chairman for Post #31, signing up 134 members in one year.
1932-33 Rutland Post #31 Post Commander
1940 Ray outs on a HillyBilly variety show for the community sponsored by The American Legion,
1942 Works at Springfield, VT Gear Shaper, Springfield, Vt
1957 Post #31 Advisory Board.
1963 his wife died.
Moves to Daytona Beach Florida and in 1967 died. He is buried at the Daytona Memorial Park, Daytona Florida.
