W. L. Coulston, Sr. entered the U. S. Army on July 21, 1944. He served as a truck driver with the 345th light infantry.

His awards included: the Combat Infantry Badge, Rifle Marksman, the European-African-Middle East Theater Ribbon with three bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Occupation Medal (Germany). He participated in battles and campaigns in Adrennes Rhineland and Central Europe. As a truck driver, he hauled troops, food, supplies and gasoline. He often drove as much as 580 miles a day.