Sailor John Goldie Leggett married Helen Irene Donahue just before Christmas 1940 when his ship was docked in Seattle for repairs.

Before the next Christmas, Mr. Leggett was killed aboard the U.S.S. Arizona in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

He was a boatswain’s mate and petty officer second class when he died on Dec. 7, 1941. He had joined the Navy on July 22, 1937, leaving behind farming in Martin County, North Carolina.

He was born March 23, 1916. His mother, Goldie Pierce Leggett, died a few weeks later. Her death certificate listed the cause as “pneumonia (labor)”. The 1920 Census showed the boy living with his father, Jesse — a farmer — and his stepmother and seven siblings. Before long the boy went to live with an aunt and uncle, Anna and William Bland, about 5 miles to the east near Williamston, N.C. He remained with them for the rest of his childhood.

John was 16 when his father died at the age of 66.

The boy attended Williamston High School for two years — through 8th grade — in 1932.

His widow was from Seattle and they were married by the clergyman for University Temple United Methodist Church.

At least one of his brothers, Charles, served in the Army during World War II.

Sources: The Enterprise of Williamston, North Carolina; Census records; marriage certificate. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Navy enlistment records; Defense Department. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.