November 23, 1950
Colonel Frank R. Hancock’s soldier story is grounded in decisive leadership, situational awareness, and living the Army values under fire. A 1972 graduate of the United States Military Academy, Hancock went on to command the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during Operation Desert Storm. On February 24, 1991, his battalion was the lead infantry element in the division’s historic air assault into Iraq, tasked with seizing terrain to establish Forward Operating Base “Cobra” more than 150 km behind enemy lines. Faced with unexpected enemy dispositions—an unreported trench line in their landing zone—Hancock’s team spoke up, adjusted the plan, and avoided what could have been a costly landing. Hancock’s story is not only about rapid, daring maneuver, but about leadership rooted in service, trust, accountability, and courage—values that remain as relevant today as they were in the sands of Iraq.