Video interview with Admiral William M. A. Greene (1920-2007) on his time as a student at East Carolina Teachers College and his involvement with East Carolina University as an alumnus. Greene discusses student life, his experience as a member of the football team, teachers he had, friends he made, and values instilled by East Carolina.
William Morris Arl Greene (June 17, 1920-December 8, 2007) was born in Linville, Avery County, North Carolina, to Carl B. Greene and Naomi C. Gragg Greene. He graduated from Crossnore School in 1937, attended Brevard College, and received his B.S. degree in Physical Education from East Carolina Teachers College in 1943. He then entered the U.S. Navy through the Naval Reserve Midshipmen School at Northwestern University in Chicago and was commissioned an ensign in December 1943. Later education included the U.S. Naval War College, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and earning a Master's in International Affairs from George Washington University (1967).
His naval service included World War II service at the Naval Amphibious Base at Fort Pierce (Florida) and aboard the USS Hanover (as 1st Lieutenant). Post-war service included operations officer with the Atlantic Fleet aboard the USS Burdo (1947-1948) and the USS James C. Owens (1948-1950), staff commander with Amphibious Group 4 (1951-1952), instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy (1952-1954), executive officer aboard the USS Nicholas (1954), with BUPERS (1955), executive officer aboard the USS Mitscher (1956-1957), commanding officer aboard the USS Tabberer (1957-1958), at the U.S. Naval Academy (1958-1962), commanding officer aboard the USS Joseph Strauss (1962-1964), and with the Office of Chief of Naval Operations (1964-1967). He then attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1966-1967), subsequently serving as commanding officer aboard the fleet oiler USS Ponchatoula (1967-1968) and the guided missile frigate USS William H. Standley (1968-1970). In 1970 Greene was selected for the rank of Rear Admiral and became Director of Navy Recruiting with BUPERS. In 1971 the Navy Recruiting Command was created and he became its first commander. He became Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla 4 and Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force Atlantic Representative (1972), assumed command of the Naval Inshore Warfare Command, Atlantic (1973), and retired in 1973.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Greene was general manager at Marine and Industrial Wholesale Distributorship until 1977 when he was appointed executive director of the North Carolina State Ports Authority, a positition he held until 1985. He subsequently established the Small Business and Technology Development Center at East Carolina University in 1986. He was married to Virginia Ann Cooke (May 10, 1924-December 17, 2016) of Greenville, North Carolina, in 1944, and they had children Virginia Ruth Greene, Carolyn Greene Myers and William M. A. Greene, Jr.
Video interview with Admiral William M.A. Greene (1920-2007) on his time as a student at East Carolina Teachers College and his involvment with East Carolina University following his graduation. Greene shares experiences and stories from his time as a member of the football team, the values instilled by the university, the impact that East Carolina had on his life, the teachers who made an impression, and the lasting friendships he formed while at East Carolina. Greene mentions that his proudest achievement was being a member of the undefeated 1941 East Carolina football team. He also discusses his current involvement with the university as an alumni and benefactor. The interview was conducted by Scott H. Duke as part of the documentary titled 100 Years of ECU.
August 18, 2023, 1 file/7.43 GB; Video interview with Admiral William M.A. Greene (1920-2007) on his time as a student at East Carolina Teachers College and his involvement with East Carolina University following his graduation. Greene discusses student life, his experience as a member of the football team, teachers he had, friends he made, and values instilled by East Carolina.
Processed by John Dunning September 2023.
This material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to taking precautions against infringement of copyright and respecting the publication rights of reproduced materials. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Any materials used should be fully credited with their source according to the example given in the Preferred Citation note. Requests for assistance with citations and images of publication quality should be directed to specialcollections@ecu.edu. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state law. The user assumes full responsibility for using such information and is advised that the disclosure of such information about identifiable living individuals without their consent may have legal ramifications.
For related collections see: