by Dashaun Jones-Griffin

Willie Goodman Jones was a United States Army soldier who fought amongst other brave warriors during World War I. He was born on March 25th, 1897 in North Emporia, South Hampton County VA. Jones was the son of Margaret and Goodman Jones. Before joining the US Army, Jones was a longshoreman at Atlantic Coal Shipping company. He married Marie Mitchell in 1917. He enlisted on June 6, 1918, in Norfolk, VA.
His rank was an E1 private. His primary assignment was company C, 535 Engineers Service Battalion. His training station was Camp Lee, Virginia. After training, Private Jones found himself in France where he attended night school. Willie Jones was proud to serve his country. Going overseas made him a better man. During the critical times in brutal war, being a Baptist brought him closer to his religious beliefs. Willie Jones discharged from the Army on July 8th, 1919.

Sources:
“Willie Goodman Jones,” World War I History Commission Questionnaires, Library of Virginia.
“Willie Goodman Jones,” United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1918-1919, National Archives and Records Administration.
“Willie Goodman Jones,” World War I History Commission Questionnaires, Library of Virginia. United States Census, 1920

Dashaun Jones-Griffin is an honor’s college student and ROTC cadet at Norfolk State University.