 Over the next two years, "Cockrell" served at Marine barracks at Quantico, Guantanamo Bay, Parris Island, and New River.He was appointed a 1st lieutenant on December 2, 1941.Ultimately assigned to Company "B", 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, Fleet Marine Force, he landed with the 7th Marines on Guadalcanal on his 24th birthday, September 18, 1942.