Mike Cokinos (2014) - Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame - Texas A&M Athletics

Mike Cokinos

Induction:
2014
Class:
1943

Another former Texas A&M student-athlete who went on to earn Distinguished Alumnus honors from Texas A&M University in 1996 was Brigadier General Mike Cokinos ’43 and he will be presented as the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association. Cokinos graduated in 1943 with a degree in science after diving on the men’s swimming and diving team as well as playing men’s basketball. He served in the United States Army in World War II as a second lieutenant in field artillery. While serving in Germany in 1945 as a forward observer, Lt. Cokinos successfully directed artillery fire for a period in excess of 50 hours despite hostile artillery, mortar and small arms fire. He located an aid station and brought up aid, men and litters to evacuate the wounded. When the Infantry Battalion Commander was wounded by mortar fire, Cokinos administered first aid and covered the fallen officer with his own body, using his own helmet to protect the commander’s face until the mortar barrage lessened. This gallantry was above the call of duty and reflects great honor upon himself and the Military Forces of the United States and thus Cokinos was awarded the Silver Star. When he retired from the Army in 1980, he reached the rank of Brigadier General. In addition, Cokinos has served as the president of the Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association, vice president of the Association of Former Students and as the 2004 Sul Ross Group President.