Lawrence Frank Cotton

MAJOR LAWRENCE FRANK COTTON
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 01

Lawrence Frank Cotton, known to his classmates as “Larry,” came to the Air Force Academy from the Panama Canal Zone, having been born in Colon, Republic of Panama. His international upbringing earned him the lighthearted cadet nicknames “Spic” and “Immigrant.” A natural athlete, Larry was a mainstay on the soccer fields at the Academy, where his competitive spirit (and famously sharp elbows) made him a formidable opponent.

As a member of the historic First Class, Larry began his journey at the interim campus at Lowry Air Force Base before moving to the permanent site in Colorado Springs. His early ambitions were clear; while he once joked about becoming Chief of Staff, his true passion was always “flying in fighters.” Larry graduated with the Class of 1959, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

One of Larry’s most significant Academy achievements occurred outside the classroom. He fell in love with Sharon "Sherry" Stillman, the daughter of Brigadier General Robert M. Stillman, the Academy's very first Commandant of Cadets. Their romance became a part of the "First Class" lore; just two weeks after Larry crossed the stage at graduation, the two were married on June 29, 1959, beginning a 34-year journey together until his early passing.

A CAREER IN THE CLOUDS
Larry’s military career was defined by his expertise in Tactical Reconnaissance, a high-stakes specialty that took him across three continents. After earning his wings through pilot training at Spence and Laredo Air Force Bases (1959–1960), he spent several years honing his skills as an Instructor Pilot at Laughlin AFB.

His operational career saw him flying at the height of the Cold War and the Vietnam Conflict:
• Europe: Served with the 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Toul-Rosieres Air Base, France.
• Vietnam: Deployed to Tan Son Nhut Air Base (1966–1967) with the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, flying hazardous missions over Southeast Asia.
• Pacific: Operated out of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, with the 16th TRS and Osan Air Base, South Korea, as a Reconnaissance Liaison Officer.

Throughout his service, Major Cotton proved himself an elite aviator. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses (DFCs) and 11 Air Medals, decorations that speak to his extraordinary achievement and courage under fire.

LIFE BEYOND THE COCKPIT
After retiring from the Air Force as a Major (O-4), Larry transitioned into a successful second career in real estate. He settled in San Antonio, Texas—a city with deep ties to the Air Force—joining the Deanie Owens Company in 1979.

Larry remained a proud member of the "First Class" legacy, often remembered by his peers for his dedication to his country and his sharp, persistent sense of humor that dated back to his days in Squadron 01. He passed away in Houston, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of service that spanned from the jungles of Panama to the skies of Vietnam.
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SERVICE SUMMARY

Year Duty / Position Unit & Location
1959 – 1960 Pilot Training Spence AB / Laredo AFB
1960 – 1965 Instructor Pilot 3641st & 3645th Pilot Training Squadrons, Laughlin AFB, TX
1966 Pilot 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Toul-Rosieres AB, France
1966 – 1967 Pilot 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam
1967 Instructor Pilot 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Bergstrom AFB, TX
1970 – 1972 Pilot 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Kadena AB, Okinawa
1972 T-39 Pilot / Operations Control 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, SC
1975 – 1976 Reconnaissance Liaison Officer 21st Tactical Squadron, Osan AB, South Korea
1976 – 1979 Instructor Pilot 33rd Tactical Reconnaissance Training Squadron, Shaw AFB, SC
1979 Retired (Major) / Realtor Deanie Owens Co., San Antonio, TX