Joseph Lawrence Corcoran was born in 1898 to Joseph and Anna McCloskey Corcoran who resided in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He was one of three brothers.

Joseph’s father died when he was young and he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Leary. The Leary’s sons, William and Thomas were close friends and teammates of hero Norman Becker.

Joseph enlisted in the Army on September 17, 1942 at the age of 44. At the time, 44 was the age limit for enlisting. Later, the age limit was lowered to 38.

After training, Joseph was sent overseas to North Africa, where he served in a medical section of an Aviation Engineers unit. His duty involved frequently flying aboard B-17 Flying Fortresses or large transport aircraft ferrying engineers to the front lines.

Corporal Joseph Lawrence Corcoran was reported Missing In Action on November 26th 1943. No other information could be found about his death.