BIO
Robert Christian Cornell was born 26 September 1926, Sioux City, Iowa, to Harvey and Gladys (Christians) Cornell. Robert graduated from Central in August, 1944. Siblings are twin sisters, Doris and Donna.
Robert received his letter to report for induction 20 November 1944. He was to report 30 December 1944. His pre induction physical was at Fort Snelling. He went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; then was sent to Camp Joseph T. Robins (Little Rock, Arkansas) for basic training and then came home for ten days. He was sent to Fort Meade, Maryland, for two weeks. Luckily for him the war ended. He left San Francisco, on 22 June 1945, for the Philippines. Took Amphibus training. Left mid September for Korea, arrived 30 September, went to Seoul. Sent home 18 September 1946, on an Army transport, Seabarb.
Robert was a railroad telegrapher, 12 1⁄2 years, worked for the post office for 7 years; for the IRS, 2 1⁄2 years.
Joined the 185th Air National Guard in 1970. He was a member of the first class (Air Reserve Forces OJ Manager Orientation Course (on the job training) for the Air National Guard. Robert was the last WWII veteran discharged from the 185th Air National Guard.
Robert received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Defense Reserve Medal, Air Reserve Force Meritorious Service Ribbon/3 Dev., the Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force longevity service/3 Dev., the Occupation medal for Korea, Philippine Liberation, Asia Pacific Campaign Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal.
Robert married Joan Parr, 7 June 1952, in South Sioux City. They met while roller skating at the rink in South Sioux City, Nebraska. They have two sons, David and Christopher.
Robert is a member of the Cownie Post 307, American Legion, South Sioux City.
Submitted by Robert Christian Cornell.
From left to right, Robert Godfrey (East HS); Bruce Baker (father was a teacher at Central HS); a Marine from the 40th Division Louisiana National Guard; Kenny Demarest (East HS); and myself, Robert Cornell (Central HS). This was taken at the Colony Club, San Francisco.
