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The late Willnetta Coates served in the U.S. Navy WAVES during World War II
BY MARLENE BROWNING WAINSCOTT
Sweet Owen Contributor
The late Willnetta Hutcherson Coates served in the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II, from 1943 to 1945, achieving the rank of Storekeeper Second Class.
Coates was born and raised in Grant County, Kentucky, before marrying Herschel Coates of Owen County.
The WAVES of World War II
The WAVES of the U.S. Navy were established in 1942, allowing the Navy to accept women into the Reserves as both commissioned officers and enlisted personnel for the duration of the war, plus six months. The WAVES gave women like Willnetta the opportunity to serve their country during a critical time in history.
Coates joined the WAVES because she felt it was her duty to represent her family. Her brother's health prevented him from serving, and her father, who was too old to enlist, had also tried to join. Inspired by propaganda posters and a turning-point film, “Hitler’s Children,” Coates enlisted. “I was living in Cincinnati, working at a bank. I took a streetcar to Covington and joined there,” she recalled. Though her parents were initially apprehensive, fearing she might be sent overseas, they were ultimately supportive.
Training and Service
Coates underwent basic training at Hunter College in New York and then attended Indiana University for three months, where she studied bookkeeping and accounting. During their training, the WAVES learned various aspects of the Navy, including ranks, ships, aircraft, naval customs, and history. Physical training and fitness were also emphasized. “After the training at Indiana, they gave us a choice of where we wanted to be stationed. A friend and I heard Jacksonville, Fla., was a great place, so we signed up to go there, but they sent us to Weeksville, North Carolina, instead. It was only five miles from her home,” Coates chuckled. “Needless to say, she was a little disappointed.”
Naval Air Station Weeksville, N.C.
Coates and several others were stationed at the Naval Air Station in Weeksville, N.C., a unique part of the Navy during World War II. The base was one of the few lighter-than-air naval air stations, also known as "blimp bases," used for anti-submarine patrols along the coast and harbors. “I was in the Navy and couldn’t even swim,” Coates recalled with a smile. Despite this, she enjoyed being on the water and longed to go up in a blimp, though she was never allowed.
“Our job was to relieve a sailor so he could go to sea,” Coates explained. The WAVES were welcomed because their presence allowed sailors to fulfill their duty overseas. “They were thrilled to see us. It’s all they talked about . . . going to sea.”
Coates worked in the office, taking inventory and ordering supplies, replacing sailors who were called to sea. She fondly remembered the camaraderie and friendships she formed during this time. “They were a great bunch of guys and girls. I have a lot of good memories. I think about them all the time. Those two guys I sent to sea—I always wonder what happened to them. I wonder if they made it through. I will never know.”
The WAVES were expected to adhere to the Navy's strict rules and regulations, including wearing uniforms at all times. Coates recalled the relief of switching from wool suits to seersucker dresses after moving to North Carolina. “We lived in the barracks, and our cubicle was so small. There were four bunks and four tiny closets. We didn’t have any civilian clothes, so we didn’t need much room for our uniforms.”
Willnetta Coates returned home from service on Christmas Day, 1945.
Meeting Herschel Coates
Herschel Coates, who served in the South Pacific during World War II, met Willnetta after the war. “Herschel’s cousin, Marvin Ray Stewart, introduced us. He called me for a date the next day, and we talked every day on the phone after that.” The couple married in December 1946 and had three sons: David, Bob, and Bruce.
Herschel pursued a career in funeral service, eventually purchasing part interest in the Smither and Coates Funeral Home in Owenton. “We lived above the funeral home. The boys were raised there.” Herschel retired in 1984, and the business was later sold to Tom McDonald in 1985.
Although Willnetta considered herself a transplant rather than a “true Owen countian,” her years of dedication to the community and her continued love for the town and its people made her an integral part of Owen County.
As we approach the 83rd anniversary of the United States’ entry to World War II, we take this time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who stepped forward to serve in one of the darkest times in history. The stories of “The Greatest Generation” are grounded in a deep sense of duty, with individuals like Wilnetta Coates willing to venture into the unknown to protect our way of life.
A Moment of Reflection
One of the most poignant moments in my conversation with Willnetta was when I asked her how she felt when she found out the war was over. “A bunch of them went to Norfolk to celebrate, but I just couldn’t; I stayed in my room. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to celebrate, but it was just too big of a moment.”
World War II officially began on Sept. 1, 1939. The U.S. entered the war on Dec. 8, 1941. As we approach that anniversary, we take this time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who stepped forward to serve in one of the darkest times in history. The stories of "The Greatest Generation" are grounded in a deep sense of duty, with individuals like Willnetta Coates willing to venture into the unknown to protect our way of life.
This December, as e remember the day the U.S. entered World War II, take a moment to reflect on the "greatness of the moment" as Willnetta did when she realized the full gravity of the war that lay ahead.
This story was written in 2016 by Sweet Owen contributor Marlene Browning Wainscott. Willnetta Coates, who passed away at the age of 96 on Sept. 16, 2017, is remembered and honored for her service. We extend our gratitude to Coates and all those who have bravely served our country to protect our freedoms. Owen County veterans are encouraged to share their stories with Browning Wainscott to preserve these crucial moments in our country's history. If you would like to share your story, please email editor@sweetowenmag.com.
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