This collection documents the World War II service of Major Cortland A. Bassett. The collection includes correspondence, military documents, photographs, publications, newspaper clippings, and more that document his time with th 10th Armored Division in training and in the European Theater of War.

The bulk of the collection consists of Bassett's almost-daily correspondence to his parents and grandmother from 1941 to 1945. The letters follow his movements among training camps through his overseas service. Also included are photographs, various publications, and military documents from his WWII service. There are several loose newspaper clippings as well as five scrapbooks of newspaper clippings that document Bassett, his fellow service members, and happenings of the war. Lastly, there are some ephemeral items from his service such as flyers and programs for USO events, tickets, receipts, and ration cards.