About COGG
We don't just preserve history —
we preserve your family's story.
Conservators of the Greatest Generation (COGG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the wartime experiences of America's WWII servicemen and their families.
Where Our Mission Begins
A rooftop in San Antonio, February 18, 1943
Our mission begins at the historic Bedell/Ayres Building in San Antonio — the rooftop where, in 1943, young men from South Texas stood to take the oath of enlistment into the U.S. Marine Corps.
A photograph captured thirteen young men from the Rio Grande Valley raising their right hands as they pledged their service. Among them was 18-year-old Harlon Block — who would, two years later, help raise the flag atop Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima in the most iconic wartime photograph in American history.
That rooftop moment is the heartbeat of COGG. It reminds us that every great story begins with an ordinary young American making an extraordinary choice.
Why COGG Exists
Every day, more WWII stories, letters, photographs, artifacts, and family histories disappear.
COGG was created out of necessity — to ensure these documents, letters, oral histories, and memorabilia are not lost. Our mission is simple: to guard together what America must never forget, and to grow and support the writers, historians, and storytellers of the future.
How We Carry Out The Mission
Our work is organized into cogs
Individual branches of activity that work together like the teeth of a gear — each playing a vital role in preserving WWII history.
Founding Cog
The Database Project
A nationwide effort to partner with historical societies, museums, libraries, and archives — especially those with limited or no online visibility — to identify, list, and document their WWII-era holdings. The COGG WWII Holdings Database makes thousands of previously inaccessible letters, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories discoverable to researchers, writers, students, and enthusiasts.
Legacy Cog
The Honor Archive
A permanent digital repository devoted to preserving the personal histories of America's WWII veterans. Families are invited to submit digital photographs, letters, service papers, journals, medals, and other meaningful items — building a dignified narrative of their veteran's service that endures as a lasting digital memorial.
Stewardship Cog
Community Engagement
Strengthens and supports local historical societies, museums, and community archives. Through initiatives like "What's In Your Attic?", families bring the treasures hidden in attics, garages, and basements to community events where items can be examined, cataloged, and — when appropriate — accepted into an institution's permanent holdings.
Chronicler Cog
Bolstering Researchers & Writers
Supports writers, researchers, documentarians, and storytellers committed to preserving the history of the Greatest Generation. COGG offers grants that help fund travel to archives, museums, battle sites, or the homes of veterans' families — ensuring important narratives are not lost simply because the storyteller lacked the resources to follow them.
The Anchor Cog
Site-Based Preservation
Preserves WWII history in its original setting — anchoring important sites and buildings to the communities they served. Recruiting centers, induction facilities, training grounds, and factories are often unremarkable today, yet they were once central to the lives of the Greatest Generation. Anchor Cog dedications connect communities directly to their past.
Get Involved
Every story preserved strengthens the legacy.
If you have a WWII story, photograph collection, letters, artifacts, or family history you'd like to share — or if your organization would like to work with COGG — we would be honored to connect with you.