Cordell Addison grew up on a farm in Jackson County, Illinois and later enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps. In October 1941, he was drafted into the Army and served as a gunner in the Pacific Theater.
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Abstract
Interview (Audio)
Served in the Army and posted to the Pacific in a Barrage Balloon Battalion
Transcript
Photos
Caption
Cordell Addison following basic training at Camp Wallace, Texas in 1941.
Where:
Camp Wallace, Texas
When:
1941
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Addison and the 305th Balloon Battalion in Hawaii, 1942.
Where:
Hawaii
When:
1942
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
A small barrage balloon is moored at Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii. Balloons were designed to protect against low flying enemy aircraft.
Where:
Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Public domain
Caption
Cordell Addison with gas mask (in the case) and rifle at Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii.
Where:
Fort Kamehameha, Hawaii
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Cordell Addison stands formation with fellow soldiers. The date and location is unknown.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
A squad deflates a barrage balloon held down by cables and sandbags, Hawaii.
Where:
Hawaii
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
Members of Addison’s section get their photo taken at a gun position. (No specific order): Lavern Weber, Claude Veroon, Howard Vroman, George Blohm, Rufus Gillam, Paul Wamback, Luwig Yakich, Marion Weeks, Frank Zelensik, David Branch, Cordell Addison.
Where:
Unknown
When:
Unknown
Ownership:
Narrator’s photo
Caption
The cover of the February 24, 1945 edition of Liberty magazine shows a 40 mm M-51 antiaircraft gun and crew.
Where:
Unknown
When:
February 24, 1945
Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.