Willard Holbrook Coates – Second Lieutenant, United States Army

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A 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.

Willard Holbrook Coates
Pinellas, Florida, born February 13, 1926
Second Lieutenant, US Army
Killed in ActionNovember 28, 1950 in Korea
USMA Class of 1950, Second Lieutenant Coates was a member of the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in North Korea on November 28, 1950. For his leadership and valor, Second Lieutenant Coates was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

Willard Holbrook Coates
NO. 17686  •
Killed in Action November 28, 1950 in Korea, aged 24 Years.

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.

coates

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

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