Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Air Commodore

Awarded on:

June 16th, 1944

Recommendation
"Air Commodore Cobby, D.S.O., D.F.C., G.M., has, for the past eighteen months, held the appointment of Air Officer Commanding in one of the most active areas in the R.A.A.F. For the first six months (when No.9 Operational Group was a subordinate formation to North-Eastern Area), he was responsible for administration of all R.A.A.F. units in New Guinea. To this extent he was responsible for the efficiency displayed by the R.A.A.F. at Milne Bay and Buna, and New Guinea generally. At all times he has ably commanded his area, which includes Dutch New Guinea and the units therein. Under his command, effective offensive operations have been conducted continuously against the enemy. In this regard, his able handling of the three Catalina Squadrons is worthy of particular mention. To these efforts must be added the General Reconnaissance work of his Beaufort Squadron, the successful interception and strafing strikes by his fighters, and good, steady, reliable work by all his other units. For 1943, his Area has flown most operational hours of any of the three forward formations. Air Commodore Cobby's efforts have taken the form of good leadership, personal example, keen understanding and continued encouragement."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Air Commodore

Awarded on:

March 10th, 1944

Recommenation:
"On 7 September 1943, Air Commodore Cobby was returning from Dutch New Guinea and upon arrival at Townsville the Catalina aircraft in which he was travelling crashed on alighting, exploding one of the two depth charges with which the aircraft was armed. The aircraft was badly shattered and 13 of the 19 occupants were either killed or drowned. Air Commodore Cobby managed to extricate himself from the wreck and although injured, he re-entered the sub-merged hull on three occasions in order to rescue members of his Staff. As a result of his strenuous efforts against the great pressure in the cabin, he was able to assist Wing Commander W.L.B. Stephens, who had a badly broken arm, and brought him to the surface. The second time he extricated Wing Commander B.P. Macfarlan and brought him to a position on top of the blister. He re-entered the cabin a third time but was unable to effect any further rescues. Owing to the fact that at least one other depth charge was unexploded, and that at any moment the wrecked aircraft might slip under the water, Air Commodore Cobby displayed outstanding courage in risking his life while effecting the rescues of these members of his Staff. His devotion to duty on this occasion is worth of the highest praise."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Citation:
"For meritorious service which has aided the United States in the prosecution of the War against Japan, from 28 September 1944 to 31 January 1945. While under the operational control of the Thirteenth Air Force, Air Commodore Cobby directed his planes in continuous action against enemy installations in the Celebes and Halmahera Islands, and inflicted heavy damage on enemy shipping, supply areas and radar positions. His services were distinguished by exceptionally sound judgement and farsighted planning, and his forces were so well co-ordinated with those of the Thirteenth Air Force that all available aircraft were employed with maximum effect. He greatly assisted in denying the enemy water or land movement in the Northern Celebes and the Halmaheras, and materially assisted in support of the operations in the Philippine Liberation Campaign. Air Commodore Cobby rendered a material contribution to the success of the United States Army Forces in the South-West Pacific Area."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)