Frank Sherwood Cocheu

Frank Sherwood Cocheu (November 22, 1871 – May 28, 1959) was a retired American major general who served in France during World War I. He is noted for his command of the 319th Infantry, 80th Division during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in late 1918.

Early life and education
Frank Sherwood Cocheu was born on November 22, 1871 in Brooklyn, New York.

He attended the United States Military Academy, where he graduated with the class of 1894.

Military career
He was commissioned into the infantry in June 1894 as a second lieutenant.

Cocheu fought at El Caney and San Juan Hill in Cuba with the 12th Infantry during the Spanish–American War. He then served with the regiment in the Philippines from 1899 to 1902 and again from 1904 to 1906. During his second tour, Cocheu commanded a company and the 3rd Battalion. He later commanded the 2nd Battalion for nine months after the regiment returned to the United States.

Cocheu attended the Army War College, graduating in November 1908. He then served as instructor and assistant director at the Army War College from 1908 to 1911.

Cocheu was promoted to major on June 18, 1916. During World War I, he accepted temporary promotions to colonel on August 16, 1917 and to brigadier general on October 13, 1918, serving until July 15, 1919. Cocheu commanded the 319th Infantry, 80th Division in combat and the 58th Brigade, 29th Division after the Armistice with Germany which ended World War I. His permanent rank was increased to lieutenant colonel on August 28, 1917 and to colonel on July 1, 1920.

Cocheu graduated from the General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth in July 1920. He then returned to the Army War College, graduating from a second course in June 1921.

Cocheu served as assistant commandant of the Army Infantry School from June 1925 to November 1927. He accepted a permanent promotion to brigadier general on October 18, 1927. Cocheu commanded the Fourth Coast Artillery District from January to November 1928. He was then assigned as a brigade commander in the 2nd Division. During the Mexican revolution of 1929, Cocheu served as commanding general of American troops in Arizona.

Cocheu commanded the Philippine Division from June 1933 to May 1935. He accepted a promotion to major general on March 26, 1934. Cocheu retired from active duty on November 30, 1935, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 64.

Awards
Cocheu received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his services in commanding the 319th Infantry, 80th Division, from August 1917 to October 1918 in the Artois sector and during the Meuse–Argonne offensive. The citation for the medal reads:

Death and legacy
Cocheu lived in Washington, D.C. after retirement and died at Walter Reed Hospital on May 28, 1959. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Personal life
Cocheu married Kathleen Lacey on August 4, 1897. She died in 1940.

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1871 births
1959 deaths
Military personnel from Brooklyn
United States Military Academy alumni
American military personnel of the Spanish–American War
American military personnel of the Philippine–American War
United States Army War College alumni
United States Army War College faculty
United States Army generals of World War I
Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)
United States Army Command and General Staff College alumni
United States Army generals
Burials at Arlington National Cemetery