Sergeant Walter Ervin Cole, U.S. Army, was born in the town of Wake Forest, North Carolina and attended local elementary and high schools. After graduation from high school, American forces were preparing to become involved in a European conflict. Like many young men of that era, Walter enlisted in the U.S. Army. He went to Basic and Advanced Infantry training where he excelled in marksmanship. He was trained as a machine gunner. Following his training, he was assigned to the 94^th Infantry Division and sent to England where he prepared for the D-Day invasion. Walter Cole served his country along with thousands of young Army soldiers in World War II, paying the ultimate price when he was killed in action somewhere in France in 1945.

The Walter E. Cole American Legion Post 187, located at 225 East Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, bears its name in his honor. SGT Cole was the first Wake Forest soldier killed in World War II.  “He was one of many who sacrificed his life during World War II serving our country fighting to preserve the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Cole’s niece, Betty Mabry Evans, said during the late-morning ceremony where Walter’s American Flag was flown in front of Town Hall honoring his service. “Let us not forget Uncle Ervin’s life, and at the same time remember those who are serving our country every day. We continue to live in perilous times.”

There are many legionnaires that are standout members of the Post; however, there is one member that stands out. He is Past Commander and longtime Finance Officer, Carlester (Carl) MacMilan. Carl was a member of the U.S. Navy during World War II serving as a radioman in the Pacific theater. Upon being released from duty and returning to Wake Forest, he was recalled to duty for the Korean War. This one single individual was responsible for maintaining the solvency of the Post for many years prior to his retirement.