William Alfred Cornett (Cornette) Jr. was born on 30 July 1916, the son of William Alfred Cornett Sr. and Mable Rose Belcher.
He Died non Battle 11 February 1945.
S/Sgt Cornett (Cornette) is buried at Cornette Cemetery, Creston, Ashe County, North Carolina.
The Skyland Post, 22 February 1945
S-Sgt. William A. Cornett Jr., drowned at Lake Wire, Fla. when the boat in which he was riding, capsized. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Cornett Sr., of Sutherland, one brother, Billy Cornett and one sister, Mrs. Lucy Alstrom, of Washington, D.C.
In a letter from his Major to his parents, S/Sgt Cornett was most highly commended for his ability as an outstanding member of his fighter squadron. In explaining about the accidet it was stated that Sgt. Cornett and another soldier were boatriding and that when the boat capsized Sgt. Cornett started for shore but looked back and saw that his friend was in distress. As he was seeking to help him he slipped from his grasp and Sgt Cornett again started for shore, but he returned a second time and was able to keep the drowning friend abot water for a few seconds. Both soldiers sank from view not to reappear while making a frantic effort to reach the shore, approximately 200 yards away. S/Sgt. Cornett entered service in January, 1940, and spent four years in the Panama Canal Zone. For the past few months he had been stationed at different points in the states. At the time of his death he was expecting to leave for overseas duty. He was held in high esteem in his home community as was manifested by the profuse floral offering.
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Date of birth: 30 July 1916
- Date of death: 11 February 1945
- County: Johnson
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Conflict: World War II
- Burial/Memorial Location: Cornette Cemetery, Creston, Ashe County, North Carolina
- Location In Memorial: Pillar VIII, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor William A. Cornett Jr.
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