Willard Holbrook Coates Second Lieutenant, United States Army |
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graduate of West Point in June 1950, he served in the Korean War with the
7th Infantry, 3rd Division and was killed-in-action within six months of
his graduation day. He earned both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
He is buried in Section 2 of Arlington National
Cemetery.
Statistics and memories combine to paint a portrait of a young man who gave his full measure of devotion to his country. The dry statistics can give us no comfort, but the memories make Willard live for those who loved him. His bravery doesn't shine in heroic deeds, but in a four-year old not whimpering when his arm had to be rebroken after a mishap in setting. The desire to wear his country's uniform was Willard's dream from early childhood, As a young boy, Will dressed in his father's old uniform and walked sentry duty before the front door. He challenged all comers with comic reactions from civilian guests. When active duty faced him after high school graduation, the commands of "shoulder arms", "about face", and "squads right" echoed at night. His family lost many nights of sleep to the Soldier's Manual. His background was two generations of Army officers, yet his proudest possession was his good conduct medal, because he, of aII his family, had earned the right to wear it. Will had a deep love of family. His greatest wish the last few years was for a family reunion. There is great comfort in remembering that his wish was fulfilled the summer before his death. His love of argument was a source of amusement and exasperation. The topic or the side did not matter, just the opportunity to argue. His West Point roommate learned to recognize the symptoms and to prepare to retreat quickly. His joy in living and curiosity for everything were wonderful gifts. In less than twenty-five years, Willard found and loved laughter, small boy secret joys, and realization of his West Point goal. The last months of his life were the fullest. His graduation, his marriage, and the reunion at home were the memories he took with him overseas. Following his duty and beliefs Willard met his destiny on a Korean hillside. His legacy is a small daughter born after his death. His mark on history may be minute, but for us who knew and loved him, Willard has left memories and a part of himself to soften the pain of loss. A portrait of a boy, a man, son, and brother forever young and forever beloved. . - Margaret Coates Moore. 
Photo Courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission COATES, WILLARD W 2ND LT 3RA INF DIV 7TH INF REGT USA CO B VETERAN SERVICE DATES: Unknown DATE OF BIRTH: 02/13/1926 DATE OF DEATH: 11/28/1950 DATE OF INTERMENT: 12/09/1954 BURIED AT: SECTION 2 SITE 1120-1 ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY Page Updated 4 February 2000 Updated: 12 November 2000 Updated: 4 February 2001 Updated: 1 December 2001 Updated: 22 February 2003 Updated: 5 September 2004 Updated: 5 September 2005 Updated: 10 July 2007 |
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