Adrian Leroy Willetts was born in Winnabow, Brunswick County, NC.
His WWI Draft Registration in 1917 shows he had served in the Coast Guard Cutter Service. His NC WWI Service Card shows his enlistment date as April 29, 1914.
This photo dated 1916 is in Findagrave.
Adrian’s length of service in the Coast Guard is unclear, as well as whether he served in World War II. An article in the News and Observer in 1939 confirms he was in the Coast Guard at that time. He and three other members of the crew were hospitalized with food poisoning.
Sources: News and Observer [Raleigh, NC], 3 Dec. 1939, p. 12; “Poisoned.” State Port Pilot [Southport, NC], 6 Dec. 1939, p. 5.
In 1949, an article in the State Port Pilot mentioned that Adrian had retired from the Coast Guard and had been stationed on Bald Head Island “until a few years ago.”
Source: Keziah, W.B. “Our Rovin’ Reporter.” State Port Pilot [Southport, NC], 22 June 1949, pp. 1-2
Adrian’s brother Harry Lee Willetts also served in WWI. He was ordered to report for duty on August 25, 1918, serving stateside until his discharge on December 30, 1919. He was laid to rest in Willetts Cemetery after his death on February 1, 1970.
Adrian Leroy Willetts passed away on August 25, 1973, at Ocean Trails Rest Home in Southport, NC, at age 77. He was laid to rest in Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Winnabow. No military honors are shown.
To view this or an earlier profile or snapshot at any time, click on the veteran’s name on the WWI Brunswick County Veteran list, which is also accessible by the blue button on the top right of the webpage.
If you would like to help us honor Adrian Leroy Willetts or another Brunswick County WWI veteran, please use the following links:
Click here for the announcement:
Announcement: Honor a Brunswick County World War I Veteran
Click here for directions to donate and honor a veteran:
How to Honor a Brunswick County World War I Veteran
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