Cole, Homer G., collection, 1943-1989

Authors

Special Collections, Leonard H. Axe Library

Files

Description

A collection of publications, maps, photographs, newspaper clipping and materials that were in relation to World War II collected by Homer G. Cole, of Pittsburg, Kansas. Homer G. Cole was born 1926 and raised in Carthage, Missouri until 1939, when he moved to Pittsburg, Kansas. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in May 1943 and enrolled at the Kansas State Teacher’s College (now Pittsburg State University) in the naval college training program that was known as the V-7 program. In September 1943, Cole was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Force, and trained in navigation and gunnery techniques. He then served in the Army Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress with nineteen missions over Europe. He remained in the U.S. Army Air Force until 1945, and during his service was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Air Combat Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal, and an Air Medal with Three Oakleaf Clusters. After Cole returned home, he completed his college education at Pittsburg State University. While a student he played basketball and set a school record for career basketball games played (110). After graduation, he coached at Goddard, Kansas for three years, served as the Parks and Recreation Director for Joplin, Missouri, and managed several bowling alleys. Cole also served on the Pittsburg City Commission from 1987 to 1991 and served one term as the Mayor of Pittsburg. The Pittsburg Community Center was constructed with help of Cole with Cole playing an active role in the promotion, the funding, and the development of the facility that now bears his name.

Publication Date

5-30-2018

Keywords

Military and War, Education, Recreation and Tourism

Size of Collection

.5 linear foot

Dates of Collection

1943-1989

Manuscript Number

SpC MS 0158

Recommended Citation

Special Collections, Leonard H. Axe Library, "Cole, Homer G., collection, 1943-1989" (2018). Finding Aids. 190.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/fa/190