William D. Cordell
Audrey Cordell
WWII and Our Family
The History of the USS DEFENSE
The WWII Crew - Stories & Photos
Deck Logs & Action Reports
Iwo Jima Information
Okinawa Information
Mine Warfare
The Home Front During WWII

This is a work in progress.
Please read my disclaimer and sources page. Roy Cordell rcordell@comp.uark.edu

If you like this website, visit my guestbook

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IMPORTANT NOTE:

I'm converting this site into a BLOG, which is available at http://ussdefense.blogspot.com/. This will be an on-going, bit by bit process, but soon everything here will be available over there. Thanks for all of your support, and remember, that's

http://ussdefense.blogspot.com/.

This project began as a tribute to my late grandfather, W. D. Cordell. I wanted to learn out about a time in his life long before I was born - his Navy service during WW2. Little did I know that this project would become a journey across time itself, and this web site has introduced me to many of the men who knew my grandfather and survived the harrowing attacks of April, 1945. Some even served during the Korean War some years later.

I want to thank everyone who has taken an interest in my project, and I appreciate everything you've contributed. And thanks for preserving the freedom of the United States of America.

The current Mine Warfare Command Web site is at:
http://www.cmwc.navy.mil/

February, 2006 - Cliff Crawford sent a couple of photos - visit his page.

August 8, 2005 - James Bowell and the USS DEFENSE are featured in an article in the August 8 issue of NEWSWEEK magazine. The web version of the article is available at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8853603/site/newsweek/. I don't know how long it will be available there, so print out your copy now!

March 3, 2005 - Mike Willman's uncle served as an officer aboard the USS CHAMPION during WW2, and he managed to keep a few drawings of mine sweeping gear and rigging. They look like they could be from mine warfare school. Take a look. (opens in a new window)