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Cortland Bassett Collection

 Collection
Identifier: CSWS-0242

  • Staff Only

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.

Dates

  • 1911 June 16-1947 May 9
  • Majority of material found within 1941-1946

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact Special Collections.

Extent

3.0 Linear Feet (2 full boxes, 1 half box, 1 quarter box, 1 flat box)

Overview

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.

Biographical / Historical

Major Cortland A. Bassett was born June 28, 1918 in Athol, Massachusetts to Lester and Ethel Bassett. Bassett served in World War II with the 10th Armored Division of the U.S. Army. Bassett joined the military on June 10, 1941, and trained at Fort Oglethorpe, Fort Benning, and Camp Gordon in Georgia before serving in the European Theater. In 1943, he married Barbara Brownsey (1927-2013). Bassett died February 13, 1986.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged into seven series based on format. The collection is organized into four boxes.

Previous Citation

This collection was previously listed as part of MS.1259.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was donated through the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of War and Society.

Processing Information

Loose newspaper clippings have been photocopied in full for preservation purposes. The following copies of full issues of The Stars and Stripes (Paris Edition) have been deaccessioned from the collection: Vol. 1, No. 75, 1944 September 29 (2 copies); 1944 October 9; Vol. 1, No. 120, 1944 November 21; Vol. 1, No. 121, 1944 November 22; Vol. 1, No. 122, 1944 November 23; Vol. 1, No. 146, 1944 December 20; Vol. 2, No. 30, 1945 August 9; Vol. 2, No. 33, 1945 August 12; Vol. 2, No. 36, 1945 August 15; Vol. 2, No. 49, 1945 August 28

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480