Local History & Genealogy Center, Warren-Trumbull County Public Library
Note
Wilbur was born October 17, 1920 in Newton Falls, the son of Elmer and Marileo Allen Cordell. He was a graduate of the Warren G. Harding High School class of 1938 and was employed in the engineering department of the Taylor-Winfield Corporation before entering the service. Wilbur was a member of the Warren Musicians Union, the IOOF Lodge 29 and the Second Christian Church.
Wilbur enlisted February 1, 1943 at the Nashville Army Air Center and was later promoted to Second Lieutenant Navigator of the B-17 Flying Fortress "My Day II" in the 779th Bomb Squad, United States Army Air Corps, and was stationed in England. Wilbur was killed in action May 19, 1944 during a bombing mission over Kiel, Germany. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Vienna, Ohio. His obituary appeared in the Warren Tribune Chronicle on May 28, 1949. Wilbur received the Air Medal and Two Oak Leaf Clusters. The citation with the Air Medal stated "For exceptionally meritorious achievement while participating in five separate bombing combat missions over enemy occupied continental Europe. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this officer upon these occasions reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States"
Wilbur was the nephew of William J. Cordell, MSS number 050-007-026 and a cousin of Chester W. Nelson, MSS number 050-007-080.
The original donation was comprised of the photograph only. Additional information was provided by Richard Nelson from Independent Order of Odd Fellows materials, and can be found in the binder under the same MSS number, from Wilbur's obituary and from articles from Thomas Kachur's World War II materials housed in the Center.
