USNR
US Navy
William Wheeler Cobern
Service No.: 8374947
Ship Assignment: USS LST-531
William Wheeler Cobern was born on 16 December 1923 in Chilton County, Alabama, the son of William Washington Cobern and Elizabeth Ann Gaylor Cobern. He was one of nine children, growing up in a large family during the difficult years of the Great Depression. Like many young Americans of his generation, he learned the values of hard work, responsibility and perseverance from an early age.
Following attendance at the Marbury High School, Marbury, Alabama, William became an employee with the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company at its Plate Mill in Fairfield, where he contributed to the industrial effort that supported America’s growing wartime production.
Military Service
Cobern enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 10 May 1943 at Birmingham, Alabama. Following his training, he qualified as a Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class, a specialist engineering rating responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of the diesel engines that powered many of the United States Navy’s landing craft and auxiliary vessels.
The work of a Motor Machinist’s Mate demanded considerable technical skill and carried significant responsibility. During amphibious operations, the reliability of a vessel’s engines could determine whether troops, vehicles and supplies reached their destination safely. Although often serving below decks and away from public attention, engineering personnel formed an essential part of every naval operation.
As preparations for Operation Overlord gathered pace, Cobern was posted to Landing Ship, Tank 531 (LST-531), one of the vessels selected to participate in the final rehearsals for the invasion of Normandy.
Exercise Tiger
During the early hours of 28 April 1944, the convoy was attacked by German E-boats that had crossed the English Channel from occupied France. LST-531 was struck by two torpedoes, causing catastrophic damage. The vessel caught fire and sank within minutes, leaving many of those on board with little opportunity to escape.
Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class Cobern was among those who lost their lives in the sinking. His body was never recovered.
Honors and Memorials
Tablets of the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach;
He is listed in the American Memorial Chapel Roll of Honour at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class William Wheeler Cobern was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in recognition of the sacrifice he made in the service of his country.
Legacy
Only twenty years of age at the time of his death, Cobern left behind his parents, eight brothers and sisters, and a promising future. His service aboard LST-531 formed part of the immense Allied preparations for Operation Overlord, and although he never reached the shores of Normandy, his sacrifice contributed to the success of the invasion that followed.
Today, Motor Machinist’s Mate Third Class William Wheeler Cobern is remembered with honour among the sailors and soldiers of Exercise Tiger, whose courage and dedication helped pave the way for the liberation of Western Europe. His story ensures that the sacrifice of those who died in training, as well as those who fell in battle, will not be forgotten.
