Vernon Y. Cornelius – Colonel, United States Army

From a contemporary press report

Vernon Y. Cornelius, 78, a retired Army colonel who also was a cryptological officer for the National Security Agency, died of cancer February 22, 2000 at Doctor’s Community Hospital. He had lived in Bowie, Maryland,  since the mid-1960s.

Born in Zephyr, Texas, Colonel Cornelius was a member of the Texas National Guard when he was called to active duty in 1941.

Colonel Cornelius served with the 36th Infantry Division in North Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Austria during World War II. He served with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea during the Korean War, then served with the Army Security Agency before retiring from active duty in 1968.

After that, Colonel Cornelius spent 15 years with the National Security Agency as a cryptological officer.

His military honors included the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Janette Cornelius of Bowie; two sons, Jeffrey Cornelius of Stuarts Draft, Va., and David Cornelius of Ardmore, Pa.; and two grandchildren.

CORNELIUS, VERNON Y. (COL. US ARMY, RET.)

On February 22, 2000 of Bowie, MD. Beloved husband of Janette Cornelius, loving father of Jeffrey and David Cornelius; also survived by two grandchildren. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 29, 2000 at 11am in Arlington National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may assemble at the Administration Building at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard